Category Archives: Shakespeare on Stage

Shakespeare’s Avon, Act 6: Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Sylvia Morris

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre sits right on the bank of the River Avon in Stratford. When the idea of a permanent memorial to Shakespeare in his town was first suggested in the aftermath of the 1864 Tercentenary Celebrations, it was … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Legacy, Shakespeare on Stage, Stratford-upon-Avon | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The News of the World and Shakespeare’s Venice #NOTW

Posted on July 9, 2011 by Sylvia Morris

On the evening the News of the World’s closure was announced, I went to Rupert Goold’s RSC production of The Merchant of Venice. During the interval a friend and I wondered which of Shakespeare’s plays was most relevant to the … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Plays and Poems, Shakespeare on Stage | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Kevin Spacey as Richard III, the “cunning, conniving, charismatic king”

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Sylvia Morris

One of this summer’s hottest theatre tickets will be Kevin Spacey’s performance as Shakespeare’s most famous villain Richard III, currently previewing at the Old Vic in London.  In a Radio interview with Spacey and his director, Sam Mendes it’s clear … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Legacy, Plays and Poems, Shakespeare on Stage, Sources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Greatest Shakespeare speeches in performance

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Sylvia Morris

    When I put up my list of top ten Shakespeare speeches I promised a second set of speeches which I associate with a particular performance.    My list provided a great subject for discussion during a long walk … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Plays and Poems, Shakespeare on Stage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Shakespearian stars 2: Paul Scofield as King Lear

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Sylvia Morris

In 2004 The Daily Telegraph published a survey in which RSC actors voted for the greatest Shakespeare performance in history. It wasn’t exactly a scientific poll, but the result was clear, and not unexpected. The winner was Paul Scofield in … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Plays and Poems, Shakespeare on Stage | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Much Ado About Tate, Tennant, Best and Edwards

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Sylvia Morris

It looks like being a vintage summer for Shakespeare-lovers with lots on offer around the country. In London two productions of Much Ado About Nothing have opened within a week so it’s already possible to see two sets of the … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Legacy, Plays and Poems, Shakespeare on Stage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Shakespearian stars 1: Richard Burton as Henry V

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Sylvia Morris

This is the first in a series about actors and their greatest Shakespearian parts.  Henry V is a gift of a part for a young actor. It’s a varied role, particularly if  Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, which show … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Plays and Poems, Shakespeare on Stage, Stratford-upon-Avon | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Staging The Merchant of Venice

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Sylvia Morris

John Nathan’s interesting article raises the old question whether The Merchant of Venice is too offensive to stage. I’m pleased that he comes down on the side of continuing to perform it, in spite of the discomfort it might cause … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Plays and Poems, Shakespeare on Stage | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Sylvia Morris

It seems that music, whether being listened to or performed, really is good for you. It was recently reported that musicians have better memories than the rest of us, and playing music may result in higher levels of proficiency in … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Shakespeare on Stage | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Those fabulous frocks

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Sylvia Morris

Why are we so fascinated by clothes that have been worn by the rich and famous? Kate Middleton’s wedding dress will attract enormous attraction when it is put on display (probably in Buckingham Palace). We will all admire the fabulous … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Legacy, Shakespeare on Stage | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments