March 24, 2011

HIGHLIGHTS
• RSC 50th birthday celebrations continue – including more play readings and events exploring the Company’s back catalogue of new work
• The Heart of Robin Hood, first family show on the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage – written by RSC Associate Director David Farr and directed by Gisli Örn Gardarsson for Christmas 2011
• The Taming of the Shrew, directed by Lucy Bailey, opens in Stratford then tours nationwide
• World Premiere of David Edgar’s new play, Written on the Heart – directed by RSC Chief Associate Director, Gregory Doran, as part of 400th anniversary of the King James Bible
• World Premiere of The Heresy of Love – by Helen Edmundson, directed by Nancy Meckler, inspired by the life of Spanish Golden Age playwright Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz
• Measure for Measure, directed by RSC Associate Director Roxana Silbert in her first Shakespeare production for the RSC
• New small scale touring model – Young People’s Shakespeare production of Hamlet tours schools and local venues, with day and evening performances through the autumn

The Royal Shakespeare Company continues its 50th birthday celebrations with world premieres of three new plays, two new Shakespeare productions, a major events programme exploring the legacy of the last five decades, and two national tours – one to large scale theatres and one to schools and local venues, playing to children in the daytime and their families in the evenings.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The first large-scale family show in the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST) is The Heart of Robin Hood, written by RSC Associate Director David Farr and directed by Gisli Örn Gardarsson, co-founder of Iceland’s Vesturport Theatre. This swashbuckling new production opens in November 2011 and plays in a straight run over Christmas (17 November – 7 January 2012). It tells the tale of the notorious Robin Hood and his band of outlaws, who rob from the rich, but fail to share with the poor. It is down to Marion to convince Robin to listen to his heart if they are to save the country from the wicked King John who plots to steal his brother’s crown.
The Taming of the Shrew opens on the RST stage in January (19 January – 18 February 2012) before embarking on a six week national UK tour. Lucy Bailey, whose acclaimed production of Julius Caesar joins the repertoire at the RSC’s residency in New York this summer, directs this sometimes controversial romantic comedy, exploring love and sexual politics through Petruchio’s attempts to tame Katharina to a submissive life of domesticity. Other venues and dates to be announced later this spring.

Swan Theatre
Meanwhile, in the Swan Theatre from October, award-winning playwright David Edgar’s play Written on the Heart has its world premiere (27 October 2011 – 10 March 2012). A powerful examination of the story behind the King James Bible, which celebrates its 400th anniversary this year, the play explores the legacy of the earliest translators who died for their wish to see a ploughboy read the word of God and the dilemma of Lancelot Andrewes, King James’s leading translator, as he confronts the betrayal of his youthful religious ideals for the sake of preferment and peace in a divided society. RSC Chief Associate, Greg Doran, directs, following his production of Cardenio, Shakespeare’s lost play ‘re-imagined’, which plays the Swan Theatre this spring. Written on the Heart plays in repertoire with Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure and The Heresy of Love until March 2011.
Measure for Measure is RSC Associate Director, Roxana Silbert’s first Shakespeare production for the RSC (17 November 2011 – 10 March 2012), following her critically acclaimed production of Dunsinane by David Greig in 2010, shortly to be performed in the Swan Theatre as part of a National Theatre of Scotland tour, and Little Eagles by Rona Munro which premieres at Hampstead Theatre this spring. In this darkly fascinating tale which puts moral and religious double standards on trial, Deputy Antonio is given free reign over Vienna and launches a crusade against loose morals, but makes an indecent proposal of his own when a condemned man’s sister pleads for a pardon.
The Heresy of Love completes the season (2 February – 9 March 2012). Nancy Meckler directs the premiere of Helen Edmundson’s new play, inspired by the life of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, the writer of House of Desires, which Nancy directed as part of the RSC’s Spanish Golden Age season in 2004. Sor Juana’s gift for writing is celebrated by the court, but her success creates fear and jealousy within the church. Her life of faith and learning crumbles around her as the things she holds dear are cruelly destroyed. Helen Edmundson adapted Coram Boy for the National Theatre and has written extensively for Shared Experience. Nancy Meckler’s most recent work for the RSC includes her production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which opens in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre this summer.
Song of Songs – inspired by the rich and erotic verse of Song of Solomon in the King James Bible and devised by RSC Head of Movement Struan Leslie, this piece will be created with members of the ensemble on the Swan Theatre stage for three performances only in February 2012.
All casting details to be announced.

RSC 50 events
The rolling programme of RSC 50 play readings, talks and special events continues. Further highlights include an on stage discussion with Willy Russell on Educating Rita, a celebration of the RSC’s musicals, past and present, Howard Davies in conversation about the creation of the Warehouse, a screening of Peter Brook’s production of US, a celebration of Nicholas Nickleby as well as David Edgar’s original work and a birthday party for Harold Pinter.
Playwrights Tanika Gupta and Mark Ravenhill each host a weekend exploring the RSC’s back catalogue of plays and there will be a play reading of Christopher Hampton’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

Young People’s Shakespeare tour
From September 2011, the RSC’s current ensemble will take its YPS Shakespeare production of Hamlet, adapted by Tarell Alvin McCraney and Bijan Shebani and directed by Tarell, on a six week tour to schools and local theatre venues, who will work together to programme a mixture of daytime and evening performances.
Since 2008, through its Young People’s Shakespeare series, the RSC has invited directors and writers to make surprising, challenging and entertaining work for children aged 8 and over, giving them a great first experience of Shakespeare. The productions have proved enormously popular and have played in Stratford, London, Newcastle and in local schools in the Midlands and outer London boroughs, which are part of the RSC’s 400 strong Learning and Performance Network (LPN). The tour is the culmination of a long held ambition by the RSC to develop and deepen its relationships with schools by touring work into them, playing to children and young people during the daytime and their families in the evening.
The tour will include:
w/c 5 September West Midlands – daytime performances in Learning and Performance Networkhub and cluster schools across the West Midlands and in The Clore Learning Centre
w/c 12 September Cornwall – Hall for Cornwall in partnership with Brannell School
w/c 19 September – RIO in collaboration with Theatre Royal Plymouth
w/c 26 September Newcastle –Newcastle Theatre Royal in collaboration with schools and venues in the North East
w/c 3 October Rotherham – Inspire Rotherham are promoting the tour to local primary schools and Magna Science and Adventure Centre
w/c 10 October Liverpool – Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse in collaboration with local schools

Michael Boyd, RSC Artistic Director, said:
“It’s been an extraordinary first few months in our new home. Actors and audiences alike have warmed to the new spaces in ways we had hardly dared dream of. We’re looking forward to the first new productions designed specifically for the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre and improved Swan Theatre stages which open our 50th Birthday Season.
“The celebrations continue throughout the year with our winter season which we announce today. I’m especially proud that we’ve been able to put new work at its heart – by revealing hidden riches of our back catalogue and by new commissions. Great writers and directors have always been at the core of the company, shaping our future while being inspired by the classical repertoire, and this season is no exception.
“Our Christmas family show The Heart of Robin Hood is written by RSC Associate Director, David Farr. His dark and witty take on the legend of Robin Hood turns the tables on Robin and puts Marion centre stage. Gisli Örn Gardarsson directs for us for the first time. We follow up with The Taming of the Shrew, directed by Lucy Bailey, whose production of Julius Caesar made such an impact in Stratford and at the Roundhouse.
We explore themes of faith and passion in the Swan with two world premieres and Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, directed by RSC Associate Director, Roxana Silbert, whose extraordinary production of David Greig’s Dunsinane won such acclaim last year.
“RSC Chief Associate, Greg Doran, will direct David Edgar’s new play Written on the Heart, which concludes the 400th birthday year celebrations for the King James Bible by exploring the politics of religion and the complex story behind the Bible’s translation into English. David’s long history of work for the Company includes Pentecost, Destiny, Maydays and his unequalled adaptation of Nicholas Nickleby.
“Helen Edmundson has been inspired by the Spanish Golden Age nun and playwright Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, to write The Heresy of Love, which explores devotion and jealousy deep in the church and court in 17th century Mexico. Nancy Meckler directs, following her production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for us this summer.
“Beyond Stratford, we will take The Taming of the Shrew on a national tour and we are also putting young people at the centre of our ambitions for the future with plans to take our Young People’s Shakespeare (YPS) production of Hamlet to schools and regional theatres in a unique new touring model.
“We understand, better than anyone, the power of live Shakespeare to inspire young minds. This new collaboration with some of our Learning and Performance Network schools and regional theatres gives young people up and down the country the chance to watch live theatre during school hours and bring their families to enjoy performances in the evening.
“In these challenging times, collaboration is more important than ever. We will continue to share skills and expertise wherever we can with the amateur sector and other smaller companies and we will support artists’ R&D through our RSC Studio projects, as we plan one of the biggest collaborations in our history, the World Shakespeare Festival, in 2012.”

Vikki Heywood, RSC Executive Director, said:
“The extraordinary public and private investment in our new home is already paying dividends. We have had a great response to the new building and the box office advance for our summer season has been the busiest ever at the RSC. We took over £2.5m in advance bookings during our priority booking period and our advance now stands at £3.6m.
“We have already welcomed 160,000 day visitors through our doors since November and 53,000 people have enjoyed one of our re-opening events or returning productions. We have served over 15,500 people in our restaurant and sold tickets for over 23,000 tower visits and 10,000 theatre tours.
“We will continue to keep ourselves in good shape for the future, offering something for people to enjoy throughout the day seven days a week.
“Our summer residency in New York, presented by Lincoln Center Festival and Park Avenue Armory, in association with The Ohio State University, gives us a golden opportunity to show potential visitors and investors the high quality of work they can expect from British arts organisations and allows us to fly the flag for the international cultural collaborations we are planning with the World Shakespeare Festival.”

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The Heart of Robin Hood
By RSC Associate Director David Farr
Directed by Gisli Örn Gardarsson
Previews from 18 November 2011
Press Night: Thursday 1 December 2011, 7pm
Last performance 7 January 2011

The Taming of the Shrew
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Lucy Bailey
Previews from 19 January 2012
Press Night: Wednesday 25 January 2012, 7pm
Last performance 18 February 2012

Swan Theatre

Written on the Heart
An RSC Commission and world premiere
By David Edgar
Directed by RSC Chief Associate Director Gregory Doran
Previews from 27 October 2011
Press Night: Wednesday 2 November, 7pm
Last performance 10 March 2012

Measure for Measure
By William Shakespeare
Directed by RSC Associate Director Roxana Silbert
Previews from 17 November 2011
Press Night: Wednesday 23 November 2011, 7pm
Last performance 10 March 2012

The Heresy of Love
An RSC Commission and world premiere
By Helen Edmundson
Directed by Nancy Meckler
Previews from 2 February 2012
Press Night: Wednesday 8 February 2012, 7pm
Last performance 9 March 2012

BIOGRAPHIES

DAVID EDGAR
David Edgar has been writing professionally for the theatre since 1972. He began his long-term relationship with the RSC in 1976 with his award-winning play about the rise of the National Front, Destiny, which transferred from The Other Place to the Aldwych. His other work for the Company includes The Jail Diary of Albie Sachs, Maydays, Pentecost and The Prisoner’s Dilemma. His multi-award winning adaptation of Nicholas Nickleby was performed at the Aldwych in 1980 and on Broadway in 1981, and was televised by Channel Four.
He has also written extensively for the National Theatre (Entertaining Strangers, The Shape of the Table, Albert Speer and Playing with Fire) and for many repertory theatres, as well as for television, radio and film. He founded Britain’s first postgraduate course in playwriting studies and is President of the Writers’ Guild. He is an honorary associate artist of the RSC.

HELEN EDMUNDSON
Helen Edmundson’s work for the theatre has included: The Clearing, first performed at the Bush Theatre, Mother Teresa is Dead, at the Royal Court Theatre; and five stage adaptations for Shared Experience Theatre – Anna Karenina and Mill on the Floss, both of which toured nationally and internationally, War and Peace, which was produced at the National Theatre in 1996 and again on tour in 2008, Gone to Earth, which was seen on tour and at the Lyric Hammersmith in 2003, and Orestes, at The Tricycle and on tour in 2006.

Helen’s adaptation of Jamila Gavin’s novel Coram Boy premiered at the National Theatre in November 2005 and was revived the following year before moving to Broadway. Her new version of Calderon’s Life is a Dream was produced at the Donmar Warehouse in 2009, and most recently her adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons premiered at Bristol Old Vic in December 2010.

The Clearing received the John Whiting Award for best new play, as well as a Time Out Award. She also won TMA and Time Out Awards for The Mill on the Floss, Anna Karenina and most recently, a Time Out Award for Coram Boy.

Helen has written two short films for television: One Day for BBC2 and Stella for Channel 4. She has undertaken a number of adaptations for BBC Radio, including Virginia Woolf’s The Voyage Out, Hardy’s The Mayor of Casterbridge, and Arnold Bennett’s Anna of the Five Towns which can be heard next year.

She is currently under commission with the RSC, Shared Experience Theatre and the Donmar Warehouse.

DAVID FARR, RSC Associate Director
From 2005 to 2008, David was the Artistic Director of the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith. He was joint Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic from 2002 to 2005 and Artistic Director of the Gate Theatre, London, from 1995 to 1998. He has also worked at the Almeida Opera, the National Theatre of Czech Republic and Gavella Theatre in Zagreb.
Previous productions directed for the RSC include King Lear, The Winter’s Tale, Julius Caesar, Silence, Coriolanus, Night of the Soul, Silence (RSC in association with Filter).
Other productions include: The Odyssey, Metamorphosis, Water (Filter), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, The Birthday Party (Lyric Hammersmith); Tamburlaine (Barbican); The UN Inspector (National Theatre); Paradise Lost, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (TMA Best Director Award. Bristol Old Vic).
Playwriting includes: The Nativity (Young Vic); The Danny Crowe Show (Bush); Elton John’s Glasses (Watford Palace/West End); Crime and Punishment in Dalston (Arcola); Night of the Soul; The Queen Must Die, Ruckus in the Garden (National Theatre Connections).
Television: David writes regularly for the television series Spooks.

GISLI ÖRN GARDARSSON
Gisli trained as an actor at the Icelandic Academy of the Arts. He works as an actor and director and has adapted and produced various productions.
RSC work includes the title role in Don John (in association with Kneehigh Theatre Company).
Other theatre (as actor): A Matter of Life and Death, National Theatre of England/Kneehigh, Metamorphosis, Nights at the Circus, Lyric Hammersmith, Rambo 7, National Theatre of Iceland, Brim (Surf), Titus Andronicus, Vesturport, Romeo and Juliet, West End / Young Vic / Reykjavik, Like Water for Chocolate, Kristnihald Undir Jokli Reykjavik City Theatre.
Other theatre work(as director): Metamorphosis (also adaptation), Love the Musical (also writer), Kommunan (also adaptation), Woyzeck (also adaptation), Faust (also writer) Romeo and Juliet (also adaptation).
Film (as actor): Brim, Zik Zak and Vesturport, Prince of Persia, Disney, Kings Road, Mystery, Country Wedding, Mystery, Children, Vesturport Films, Beowulf and Grendel.
TV series: I Hunt Men, RUV.

NANCY MECKLER
Nancy has been joint Artistic Director of Shared Experience since 1987. Previously she was a founder member of the Freehold Theatre and an Associate Director for Hampstead Theatre and the Leicester Haymarket.
Previous RSC Productions: Romeo and Juliet, The Comedy of Errors and House of Desires.
Other theatre: A Passage to India, Mill on the Floss, The Tempest, Gone To Earth, Mother Courage and Her Children (Shared Experience), ID (Written by and starring Anthony Sher, Almeida), War and Peace, Rose (Royal National Theatre), Anna Karenina (Tricycle).
Film includes: Alive and Kicking (won an Audience Award at the London Film Festival 1996), Sister My Sister (starring Julie Walters, 1995).

ROXANA SILBERT, RSC Associate Director
Roxana Silbert is an Associate Director for the RSC. She was previously Artistic Director of Paines Plough (2005-2009), Literary Director at the Traverse Theatre (2001-2004) and Associate Director, Royal Court (1998-2000).
RSC: Brixton Stories, Dunsinane, Such Tweet Sorrow, Little Eagles.
Theatre includes: The Comedy of Errors (Manchester Royal Exchange), Orphans by Dennis Kelly (Traverse/Birmingham Rep/Soho), Roaring Trade by Steve Thompson (Paines Plough/Soho) and Dallas Sweetman by Sebastian Barry (Paines Plough/Canterbury Cathedral), Long Time Dead (Paines Plough/Plymouth Theatre Royal/ Traverse Theatre), Strawberries in January (Paines Plough for Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh Festival), Under The Black Flag (Globe), After The End (Paines Plough/Bush Theatre/Traverse, Edinburgh Festival 2005, 59e59, international tour), Whistle in the Dark (Citizens Theatre, Glasgow), Blonde Bombshells (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Damages (Bush Theatre), The People Next Door (Traverse Theatre/Theatre Royal, Stratford East); Iron (Traverse Theatre/Royal Court).
Radio includes: Hysteria by Terry Johnson, The Good Father by Christian O’Reilly (for BBC Radio 4); Brace Position by Rona Munro for BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio version of the RSC’s production of Dunsinane.

BOOKING INFORMATION

Priority Plus Booking for Supporters’ Ensemble opens 9am Monday 11 April 2011
Full Members’ web booking opens 9am Wednesday 13 April 2011
Full Members’ telephone booking opens 9am Friday 15 April 2011
Associate Members’ web booking opens 9am Wednesday 4 May 2011
Associate Members’ telephone booking opens 9am Friday 6 May 2011
Public booking opens 9am Friday 13 May 2011
Box Office 0844 800 1110 and www.rsc.org.uk

Release issued by: RSC press office

LINKS

RSC website

Tags: David Edgar, David Farr, Helen Edmundson, Lucy Bailey, Michael Boyd, Nancy Meckler, Royal Shakespeare Company, The Heart of Robin Hood, The Heresy of Love, Written on the Heart

RSC 50th Birthday Season April – November 2011 announced

January 31, 2011

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Macbeth
By William Shakespeare

16 April – 6 October 2011
Press Night: Tuesday 26 April at 7pm

Michael Boyd directs the first new production to open in the newly transformed Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and Jonathan Slinger takes the title role.

Boyd said of Jonathan Slinger: ‘Jonathan is without doubt one of the finest actors of his generation, and has more than proved himself in the role of disturbed Shakespearean Kings.’

Jonathan was part of the ensemble in Michael’s award-winning Histories cycle, which began in 2006 in The Courtyard Theatre during the Complete Works Festival and went on to play to sell-out houses at the Roundhouse in London. His roles included Richard II and Richard III. Other roles for the RSC include Puck in Greg Doran’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, David Greig’s The American Pilot in The Other Place and Dromio of Syracuse in Nancy Meckler’s The Comedy of Errors (all in 2005). He recently played Richard in Dennis Kelly’s The Gods Weep at the Hampstead Theatre.

Other stage work includes Bernard in Yes, Prime Minister at the Chichester Festival Theatre and the West End and Astrov in Uncle Vanya at the Young Vic. His television credits include: The Adventures of Daniel (BBC), Vexed, Paradox, Krod Mondoon and Hustle. His films include The Veil of Maya (2010) and The Knight’s Tale (2000).

Also making a welcome return to the RSC is Aislín McGuckin as Lady Macbeth. In 2005/6 she played Olivia in Michael Boyd’s production of Twelfth Night, and in 2000 played Countess d’Auvergne and Margery Jourdain in his productions of Henry VI, Part 1 and Part II and Lady Anne in Richard III.

Her other theatre credits include: The Clearing (Shared Experience), and Emma in Our Father at the Almeida Theatre. Films include: Maria in The White Countess and Aislin in The Nephew. Her television work includes: Doctor Liz Merrick in Heartbeat and Emily in David Copperfield.

The cast also includes: Madeline Appiah (Gentlewoman) Jamie Beamish (Porter), Howard Charles (Malcolm), Scott Handy (Ross), Aidan Kelly (Macduff), Caroline Martin (Lady Macduff), Des McAleer (Duncan), Nikesh Patel (Donalbain), Daniel Percival (First Murderer), Daniel Rose (Second Murderer), Steve Toussaint (Banquo), Christopher Wright (Doctor).

Designs are by RSC Associate, Tom Piper, lighting by Jean Kalman, music by Craig Armstrong, sound by Andrew Franks, movement by Struan Leslie and fights by Terry King.

The Merchant of Venice
By William Shakespeare

13 May – 26 September 2011
Press night: Thursday 19 May at 7pm

Following his critically acclaimed production of Romeo and Juliet, RSC Associate Director Rupert Goold directs one of Shakespeare’s most controversial plays, The Merchant of Venice.

Patrick Stewart returns to the RSC to play Shylock. He last performed for the company in 2008 in Hamlet – in Stratford, London and on film playing Claudius and the Ghost opposite David Tennant in the title role. He previously worked with Goold for the RSC in 2006 during the Complete Works Festival playing Prospero in The Tempest. In that same season, Patrick played Antony in Antony and Cleopatra opposite Harriet Walter. Rupert recently directed Patrick as Macbeth – in the UK, New York and on film.

Stewart is probably best known for his television and film roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series as well as the voice of William Shakespeare in the upcoming Disney animation Gnomeo And Juliet. In 2010 he received a knighthood in the New Year Honours list for his services to Drama.

Playing Portia is Susannah Fielding. Her recent stage work includes: An Enemy of the People at The Crucible in Sheffield, The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other, Hero in Much Ado about Nothing, Philistines and Rosa Delle Rose in The Rose Tattoo – all for the National Theatre. In 2006 she played Trinculo in the Guildhall School/RSC production of The Tempest. Her screen roles include playing the lead in the film, Kill Keith and on TV, Chloe in Pete Versus Life, Doctor Who and Wallander.

The cast also includes: Madeline Appiah, Jamie Beamish (Launcelot Gobbo), Howard Charles (Gratiano), Scott Handy (Antonio), Aidan Kelly, Caroline Martin (Jessica), Des McAleer (Duke of Venice/Old Gobbo), Jason Morell (Arragon), David Ononokpono (Morocco), Nikesh Patel (Balthasar), Daniel Percival (Lorenzo), Emily Plumtree (Nerissa), Richard Riddell (Bassanio), Daniel Rose, Steve Toussaint, Christopher Wright (Tubal)

Designs are by Tom Scutt, lighting by Rick Fisher, music by Adam Cork, sound by Gregory Clarke, choreography by Scott Ambler and music associate and orchestrations by Alex Baranowski.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare

29 July – 5 November 2011
Press Night: Thursday 4 August at 7pm

Nancy Meckler returns to the RSC to direct A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her previous productions for the RSC include The Comedy of Errors in the RST in 2005 and House of Desires (part of the Spanish Golden Age Season) in the Swan in 2004.

She said: ‘Having created work for the Swan and the former RST, I am thrilled to be returning to the RSC for the first season on the new stage with a new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’

Pippa Nixon returns to the RSC to play Titania, the Queen of the Fairies and Hippolyta. Her previous work for the company includes Roy Williams’ Days of Significance in 2006 and in 2010, a version of Henry V in New York. Her other theatre credits include: the title role in Bea at Soho Theatre, Mad Forrest at the Battersea Arts Centre, Round 1, The Factory at Hampstead Theatre and a season at The Globe, when her roles included Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Jessica in The Merchant of Venice. Her television work includes Law and Order UK, and Wannabes.

Jo Stone-Fewings plays Oberon, the King of the Fairies and Theseus. His most recent work for the RSC includes Orsino in Twelfth Night in Stratford and the West End in 2009-10, and the Bastard in King John in 2002. Other theatre includes Dancing at Lughnasa at the Old Vic, Richard Hannay in The Thirty Nine Steps at the Criterion and Angels in America for Headlong Theatre at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith. Amongst his TV credits are: Misfits, New Tricks and Doctor Who.

Playing the young lovers are: Lucy Briggs-Owen as Helena, Alex Hassell as Demetrius, Matti Houghton as Hermia and Nathaniel Martello-White (Lysander).

The cast also includes: Maya Barcot (Fairy), Christopher Chilton (Fairy), Kammy Darweish (Egeus), Christopher Godwin (Quince), Michael Grady-Hall (Flute), Felix Hayes (Snug), Chiké Okonkwo (Snout) and Timothy Speyer (Starveling).

Joining Nancy on the creative team are designer Katrina Lindsay and lighting designer, Wolfgang Gobbel.

Marat/Sade
The persecution and assassination of Marat as performed by the inmates of the asylum of Charenton under the director of the Marquis de Sade
By Peter Weiss
English adaptation by Geoffrey Skelton
Verse adaptation by Adrian Mitchell

14 October – 5 November 2011
Press Night: Thursday 20 October at 7pm

RSC Literary Associate Anthony Neilson directs this new production of Marat/Sade in the 50th Birthday year. His previous directing work for the RSC includes God in Ruins (his own play) at the Soho Theatre in 2007 and The Drunks in 2009. He recently wrote and directed Get Santa for the Royal Court Theatre.

Neilson said: ‘I look forward to working with the new ensemble on the forthcoming revival of Marat/Sade a production which will, I hope, cast a fresh and contemporary light on Peter Weiss’ seminal play, both formally and contextually; and restore to it at least some of the forceful impact of Peter Brook’s and Adrian Mitchell’s legendary RSC production.’

The RSC’s 1964 production of Peter Weiss’ play, directed by Peter Brook, to this day, remains one of the company’s most important and acclaimed productions. Adrian Mitchell’s verse adaptation combined with Geoffrey Skelton’s English version seeks to present an unflinching and very human commentary on society and revolution.

The play is set in post revolutionary France. The inmates of an asylum present a play about the murder of Jean-Paul Marat under the direction of the notorious Marquis de Sade. As the director of the asylum and his family sit down expecting to see a patriotic display, they are confronted with a performance that is unruly, shocking and outspoken.

Movement is by Anna Morrissey and lighting by Chahine Yavroyan.

Swan Theatre

Cardenio
Shakespeare’s ‘Lost Play’ re-imagined

14 April – 6 October 2011
Press Night: Wednesday 27 April at 7pm

After extensive auditions, a newcomer has landed the part of Cardenio which will celebrate the re-opening of the Swan Theatre. RSC Chief Associate Director, Gregory Doran said: ‘Olly Rix, a 25 year old graduate from Oxford University and LAMDA can’t quite believe he’s landed this major new role. But I believe he will bring something quite exceptional to the role. He’s a very exciting new talent.’

In 1727, Lewis Theobold presented The Double Falsehood at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. He claimed it was an adaptation of a lost play by Shakespeare, based on the story of Cardenio in Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Such a play by Shakespeare and John Fletcher was indeed performed at court in 1612.

Gregory Doran has completed a piece of literary archaeology and attempts to reconstruct the extraordinary story of Cardenio, the subject of Fletcher and Shakespeare’s lost play.

The cast also includes: Maya Barcot (Nun), Lucy Briggs-Owen (Luscinda), Christopher Chilton (Priest), Liz Crowther (Duenna), Nicholas Day (Don Bernardo), Christopher Ettridge (Duke), Christopher Godwin (Don Camillo), Michael Grady-Hall (Shepherd), Alex Hassell (Fernando), Felix Hayes (Shepherd), Matti Houghton (Maid), Simeon Moore (Pedro), Harry Myers (Citizen), Pippa Nixon (Dorotea), Chiké Okonkwo (Gerardo) and Timothy Speyer (Master Shepherd).

Joining Gregory Doran on the creative team are: Niki Turner (designer), Tim Mitchell (lighting), Paul Englishby (music), Martin Slavin (sound), Michael Ashcroft (movement) and Terry King (fights).

The City Madam
By Philip Massinger

5 May – 4 October 2011
Press Night: Wednesday 11 May at 7pm

Dominic Hill, Artistic Director of the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh joins the RSC for the first time to direct Massinger’s raucous satire on greed and misplaced pride.

In this biting comedy, wealthy merchant John Frugal takes pity on his penniless and dissolute brother Luke Frugal (played by Jo Stone-Fewings) and invites him to live under his roof together with his own haughty wife and two foolishly conceited daughters.

As Luke plots to steal from his brother and his daughters arrogantly spurn worthy suitors, John plans to teach them all a lesson.
Christopher Godwin makes a welcome return to the RSC to play Sir John Frugal. His many roles for the company include: Gregory Doran’s The Canterbury Tales in the Swan and on tour as well as his productions of The Taming of the Shrew and The Tamer Tamed in 2003 and in 1995 The Devil is an Ass and The Relapse. His recent television credits include: My Family, Forgotten Army and Lead Balloon.

Sara Crowe plays Lady Frugal. Sara has extensive credits on stage, television and film, and is probably best known for her comedy roles. Sara is currently appearing in Rattigan’s Less than Kind at the Jermyn Street Theatre. Her other theatre credits include: an RSC tour of A Woman of No Importance, Olivia in Peter Hall’s Twelfth Night and in she appeared in his West End production of Bedroom Farce. Sara played Ruth in Calendar Girls, Babs in a UK tour of Acorn Antiques and Camilla Parker Bowles in A Right Royal Farce at the King’s Head in Islington. On film she played Laura in Mike Newell’s film Four Weddings and a Funeral and Carry on Columbus and her many television appearances include: Skins, The Rory Bremner Show, The Harry Enfield Show and Doctors.

The cast also includes: Lucy Briggs-Owen (Anne), Christopher Chilton (Dingem), Liz Crowther (Millicent/Secret), Kammy Darweish (Old Tradewell/Fortune), Nicholas Day (Lord Lacy), Christopher Ettridge (Holdfast), Michael Grady-Hall (Scuffle), Alex Hassell (Maurice), Felix Hayes (Mr Plenty), Matti Houghton (Mary), Nathaniel Martello-White (Goldwire), Andrew Melville (Hoist/Old Goldwire), Simeon Moore (Stargaze), Harry Myers (Getall/Serjeant), Pippa Nixon (Shavem), Chiké Okonkwo (Tradewell), Olly Rix and Timothy Speyer (Penury).

RSC Associate Tom Piper is designing the costumes, lighting is by Tim Mitchell, music and sound by Dan Jones, movement by Struan Leslie and fights by Renny Krupinski.

The National Theatre of Scotland presents the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production in association with the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
Dunsinane
By David Greig

15 June – 2 July 2011
Press night: Thursday 16 June at 7pm

RSC Associate Director Roxana Silbert revives her acclaimed production of Dunsinane which premiered at Hampstead Theatre in 2010.

Roxana said: ‘I’m thrilled to be bringing David Greig’s Dunsinane to the Swan. It was actually written for the space, so it’s like bringing it home. Wonderful, too, that it will be seen after Michael Boyd’s Macbeth on the new RST stage providing a gratifying sequel for those who wondered what happened after….’

David Greig added: ‘Dunsinane emerged for me around five years ago when there seemed to be several productions of Macbeth being performed. Macbeth is about the toppling of a king. But I found I was interested in what happened after that king was overthrown. How does an army restore a kingdom to peace? I also had a cheeky desire to respond to the fact that the most famous Scottish play was written by the most famous English writer. I wanted to look at the story from a Scottish point of view. And who could resist the chance to revisit Lady Macbeth, one of the greatest characters in all drama?’

Casting includes: Brian Ferguson (Malcolm), Lisa Hogg (Attendant), Joshua Jenkins (Soldier/Lord), Alex Mann (Egham), Mairi Morrison (Attendant) and Jonny Phillips (Siward) and Siobhan Redmond (Gruach).

Siobhan Redmond’s previous roles for the RSC include The Comedy of Errors, Twelfth Night, The Spanish Tragedy and Much Ado about Nothing. Her television work includes: The Catherine Tate Show, Eastenders, New Tricks, Sea of Souls, The High Life and Holby City.

Joining Roxana on the creative team is Robert Innes Hopkins (designer), Chahine Yavroyan (lighting), Nick Powell (music and sound), Anna Morrissey (movement) and Terry King (fights).

Dunsinane will receive its Scottish premiere at The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh on Friday 13 May followed by dates at Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre in June 201. A version adapted for radio was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 30 January at 8pm.

The Homecoming
By Harold Pinter

28 July – 15 October 2011
Press Night: Wednesday 3 August at 7pm

Premiered by the RSC in 1965, The Homecoming is considered by many to be Pinter’s masterpiece. It is directed by David Farr, and is being revived as part of the RSC’s 50th Birthday celebrations.

David Farr, RSC Associate Director said:’I directed the 50th anniversary production of The Birthday Party at The Lyric shortly before Harold died. He was very much involved, displaying that characteristic passion for the simple act of making theatre. To direct one of the first productions after his death is a great honour. To direct The Homecoming, which I think is possibly his greatest achievement is a genuine thrill. It will be strange doing it without him.’

The cast includes: Des McAleer (Sam), Aislín McGuckin (Ruth), Richard Riddell (Joey), Jonathan Slinger (Lenny) and
Further casting to be announced.

The designer is John Bausor and lighting is by Jon Clark.

Young People’s Shakespeare:

The Taming of the Shrew
By William Shakespeare
Edited by Tim Crouch
In schools from 19 September
Press Performance in a school: 29 September (venue and time to be announced)
In the Swan from 24 September – 15 October 2011

Following its highly successful Young People’s Shakespeare productions of The Comedy of Errors and Hamlet the RSC continues its work with and for young people with a new production of The Taming of the Shrew edited and directed by Tim Crouch.

Tim Crouch, director, writer and performer said: ‘The Taming of the Shrew always felt like a natural choice for the RSC’s Young People’s Shakespeare. Its themes of sibling rivalry, bullying, love, identity and education make it a perfect play for a young, enquiring audience. Shakespeare tells a compelling story but it is not sugar-coated. Its provocation feels particularly relevant in 2011 when the messages of gender equality and emancipation in schools, colleges and elsewhere are still as confused as ever. I am excited about honouring the comedy and the challenge of Shakespeare’s play and enabling it to engage theatrically with young and old minds alike.’

He continued: ‘The cast for The Taming of the Shrew is led by two outstanding young actors, David Ononokpono and Madeline Appiah, as Petruchio and Katherina. I am excited to be putting Christopher Sly (played by Jamie Beamish) back where he belongs – deep into the heart of the audience with some opinions of his own.’

The cast also includes: Caroline Martin (Baptista), Jason Morell (Grumio/Gremio), Nikesh Patel (Lucentio), Daniel Percival (Tranio), Emily Plumtree (Bianca) and Daniel Rose (Hortensio).

The production is an introduction to Shakespeare for children aged eight upwards, and families.

Release issued by: RSC press office

LINKS

RSC website

OLIVIER AWARDS – Best Director Winners

June 16, 2010

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OLIVIER AWARDS – Best Director Winners

Best Director

2011 Howard Davies for The White Guard
2010 Rupert Goold for Enron
2009 John Tiffany for Black Watch
2008 Rupert Goold for Macbeth
2007 Dominic Cooke for The Crucible
2006 Richard Eyre for Hedda Gabler
2005 Nicholas Hytner for The History Boys
2004 Michael Grandage for Caligula
2003 Sam Mendes for Twelfth Night and Uncle Vanya
2002 Michael Boyd for Henry VI Parts I, II and III and Richard III
2001 Howard Davies for All My Sons
2000 Trevor Nunn for Summerfolk, The Merchant Of Venice and Troilus And Cressida
1999 Howard Davies for The Iceman Cometh
1998 Richard Eyre for King Lear
1997 Des McAnuff for Tommy
1996 Sam Mendes for Company and The Glass Menagerie
1989/90 Michael Bogdanov for The Wars Of The Roses
1988 Deborah Warner for Titus Andronicus
1987 Declan Donnellan for The Cid, Twelfth Night and Macbeth
1986 Bill Alexander for The Merry Wives Of Windsor
1985 Bill Bryden for The Mysteries
1984 Christopher Morahan for Wild Honey
1983 Terry Hands for Cyrano De Bergerac
1982 Richard Eyre for Guys And Dolls
1981 Peter Wood for On the Razzle
1980 Trevor Nunn and John Caird for Nicholas Nickleby
1979 Michael Bogdanov for The Taming Of The Shrew
1978 Terry Hands for Henry VI
1977 Clifford Williams for Wild Oats
1976 Jonathan Miller for The Three Sisters

Best Director of a Play

1995 Declan Donnellan for As You Like It
1994 Stephen Daldry for Machinal
1993 Stephen Daldry for An Inspector Calls
1992 Deborah Warner for Hedda Gabler
1991 David Thacker for Pericles
Best Director of a Musical
1995 Scott Ellis for She Loves Me
1994 Declan Donnellan for Sweeney Todd
1993 Nicholas Hytner for Carousel
1992 Simon Callow for Carmen Jones
1991 Richard Jones for Into The Woods