Category Archives: Shakespeare on Stage

King Charles III, Shakespeare, and coronations

We are as sure as we can be that Shakespeare experienced the coronation of King James 1. In his pamphlet The Time Triumphant Gilbert Dugdale described the triumphal procession in London on 15 March 1604, which included the King’s Men … Continue reading

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A sad farewell to Peter Brook

The death at the age of 97 of the great theatre director Peter Brook has been announced today, 3 July 2022. He burst on the theatre scene at the age of 20 in 1946, coming from the Birmingham Repertory Theatre … Continue reading

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Music and dancing for Queen Elizabeth

We’re just reaching the end of the merry month of May, and about to embark on a weekend of celebrations for the Platinum Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. Events, many of them outdoors, will be taking … Continue reading

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Celebrating Gregory Doran and Sir Antony Sher

The day before Shakespeare’s Birthday, 22 April 2022, Gregory Doran announced that he was standing down from his post as Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He’s held it for 10 years, a period of political unrest with issues … Continue reading

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Sir Antony Sher:”thou’lt come no more”

This morning, 10 December 2021 was bright and sunny in Stratford-upon-Avon. We headed for the river for a walk while the sunshine was strong at this, the darkest time of year. Approaching Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried, we … Continue reading

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Shakespeare and Black History Month 2020

October is Black History Month, and this year, 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement has raised awareness of issues relating to race in both the UK and USA.  Although it was founded in 2013 Black Lives Matter protests began in … Continue reading

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Sally Jacobs and A Midsummer Night’s Dream after 50 years

When you think of the Peter Brook production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, what springs to mind? Of course, an image of the famous white box set, perhaps with actors swinging on trapezes, Titania’s bower of blood-red feather boas, or … Continue reading

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Unfreezing the statue: rescuing the arts

It is always said that “The show must go on”. But since 16 March 2020 when theatres and other cultural venues closed, shows have not gone on. And while shops and pubs are now able to open again, live performances … Continue reading

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Live streaming Shakespeare during lockdown

It’s spring 2020 and many of us are confined to home in social isolation during the Coronavirus pandemic. With theatres, museums, galleries and cinemas closed, cultural organisations have been quick to announce initiatives to keep people entertained and educated. I’m … Continue reading

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Hung be the heavens with black! Terry Hands remembered

Hung be the heavens with black, yield day to night! The opening line of Henry VI Part One seems appropriate as a memorial for the great theatre director Terry Hands, who died on 4 February 2020. The success of the … Continue reading

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