8 February 2010
NEWS RELEASE
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
ANNOUNCES 2010 NEWCASTLE SEASON
28 September – 16 October
ROMEO AND JULIET, KING LEAR, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA AND
A BRAND NEW ADAPTATION OF HAMLET FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The RSC has announced its 2010 season – which includes new productions of
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, King Lear, Antony and Cleopatra and a Young
People’s version of Hamlet. All the productions will be performed at
Theatre Royal Newcastle. Hamlet will also tour to local schools.
The residency runs from 28 September to 16 October, and the productions will be
performed by the same company of 44 actors who enjoyed a successful season in
the city last year. They are all delighted to be returning to the North East in the
autumn.
Hamlet opened in January on a short tour of primary and secondary schools in
London, and the ensemble is now busy rehearsing the other three Shakespeare
plays which are scheduled to open in Stratford this spring.
The four productions will be complemented by an extensive programme of events at
Northern Stage, headed up by the RSC’s newly appointed Director of Events and
Exhibitions, Geraldine Collinge, as well work at Live, following the success of the
RSC’s collaboration with the company in 2009. Plans for the RSC at Northern Stage
and Live will be announced later in the year.
The RSC Education Department has also put together a comprehensive programme
of practical workshops and interactive events for students and children.
RSC Artistic Director, Michael Boyd said: “When the 2009-2011 Ensemble return to
Newcastle later this year, they bring with them not only a repertoire of four new
Shakespeare productions, but also the experience of working together for over a year
and a half. During our three week residency at the Theatre Royal, Rupert Goold
directs Romeo and Juliet, followed by David Farr’s King Lear and my production of
Antony and Cleopatra, as well as a special Young People’s production of Hamlet,
conceived and directed by our award winning playwright in residence Tarell Alvin
McCraney.
“These exciting new productions represent the next stage of our journey into what
makes great theatre. I hope you will join us to experience just how potent a long
term community of talented artists can be.”
RSC Associate Director Roxana Silbert said: “I am very excited to be planning our
next trip to Newcastle. Last season was the first time I led the Newcastle residency
in our third home – and it will be a pleasure to return with the same group of talented
actors and see old friends and hopefully make new ones.”
Theatre Royal Chief Executive Philip Bernays said: “We are very pleased to welcome
back the RSC for what looks to be another very exciting season, featuring some of
Shakespeare’s most classic plays. It is always an honour to have the ensemble
here, and this current one includes some exceptionally talented people whom it is a
pleasure to work with. We look forward very much to their arrival in the autumn.”
Audiences will again be able to see local actors - Gateshead born Peter Peverley
and Paul Hamilton, (brought up in Seaham Harbour) in the ensemble. Peter plays
Polonius in Hamlet and Friar John in Romeo and Juliet and Paul plays the Doctor in
King Lear and a messenger and Egyptian in Antony and Cleopatra.
ROMEO AND JULIET
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Rupert Goold
Tuesday 28 September – Saturday 2 October
Theatre Royal
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SAM TROUGHTON AND MARIAH GALE PLAY ‘STAR-CROSSED
LOVERS’
OLIVIER AWARD WINNING RUPERT GOOLD TO DIRECT
Olivier award-winning Rupert Goold directs Romeo and Juliet for the Royal
Shakespeare Company – his first production as an RSC Associate Director.
Romeo and Juliet tells the story of two people falling in love. Impulsively they marry
in secret, but in a divided city their innocent union is threatened by a bloody family
feud. Shakespeare vividly captures the beauty, intimacy and ultimate fragility of
young love in a hostile world.
Rupert is also Artistic Director of Headlong, and his award-winning production of
Enron is currently running in the West End and on Broadway. He won the 2007
Evening Standard Critics Circle and Olivier awards as Best Director for his production
of Macbeth with Patrick Stewart (which was performed in Chichester, the West End
and New York, and has been made into a film). For the RSC, he directed Patrick
Stewart as Prospero in The Tempest during the 2006 Complete Works Festival and
the world premiere of Frank McGuiness’ Speaking Like Magpies. His other work for
Headlong includes The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Rough Crossings and Faustus.
Mariah Gale plays Juliet and Sam Troughton is Romeo. Mariah played Ophelia
opposite David Tennant in Gregory Doran’s Hamlet which was screened on BBC1 on
Boxing Day. Her credits in the current repertoire include Celia in As You Like It, the
Young People’s Shakespeare Comedy of Errors, The Grain Store and the
forthcoming Morte d’Arthur. On television she has appeared in Diary of Anne Frank,
Oliver Twist and Skins.
Sam Troughton’s other credits in the current RSC repertoire include The Winter’s
Tale, Brutus in Julius Caesar, Ivan Ivanovich in The Grain Store and Morte d’Arthur.
He played Much in the BBC’s recent series, Robin Hood. Other screen roles include:
Hex II, Messiah III, Gunpowder, Treason and Plot, Judge John Deed, Ultimate Force
and Foyle’s War. His films include: Spirit Trap, Alien vs Predator and Vera Drake.
Joseph Arkley, who made his RSC debut in 2009, plays Tybalt, with Jonjo O’Neill as
Mercutio, James Howard as Paris and Oliver Ryan as Benvolio.
Forbes Masson plays Friar Laurence. He played Romeo in Ben Power’s A Tender
Thing, an extraordinary re-working of Romeo and Juliet, which had its world premiere
at Northern Stage last year as well as Jacques in As You Like It.
The cast also includes: David Carr (Escalus), Dyfan Dwyfor (Peter), Gruffudd Glyn,
Richard Katz (Lord Capulet), Dharmesh Patel (Gregory), Peter Peverley (Friar John),
Patrick Romer (Cousin Capulet), David Rubin (Lord Montague), Oliver Ryan
(Benvolio), James Traherne, Noma Dumezweni (Nurse), Christine Entwisle (Lady
Capulet), Debbie Korley, Simone Saunders and Kirsty Woodward.
Joining Rupert on the creative team are designer Tom Scutt, lighting designer
Howard Harrison, composer Adam Cork and fight director Terry King.
KING LEAR
By William Shakespeare
Directed by David Farr
Theatre Royal
Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 October 2010
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GREG HICKS PLAYS KING LEAR
KATHRYN HUNTER PLAYS THE FOOL
RSC Associate Director David Farr directs King Lear for the Royal Shakespeare
Company. Greg Hicks plays Lear and Kathryn Hunter the Fool.
Director David Farr also writes for film and TV, and has written eight episodes of
Spooks for BBC1, including one in the current series, and one in the next. He has
also written a screenplay for Focus Features called Hanna which will be filmed in
2010.
Greg Hicks played Leontes in The Winter’s Tale (also directed by David Farr) and the
title role in Julius Caesar. Both plays were seen at the Theatre Royal in 2009, and
will return to the Stratford repertoire in the summer of 2010. Greg’s other work for
the company includes Coriolanus in 2002/3, Agamemnon in Tantalus (2000/1),
Macbeth in Dominic Cooke’s 2004 production and the Ghost of Old Hamlet in
Michael Boyd’s Hamlet in 2004.
Farr said about Hicks: “I have worked with Greg Hicks on Coriolanus, Tamburlaine
and The Winters Tale. I have a particular relationship with Greg, a rare
understanding. He is an actor of immense bravery and skill.”
RSC Associate Artist Kathryn Hunter joined the ensemble in the summer of 2009 and
has performed in two new plays for the company – The Grain Store by Natali’a
Vorozhbit in Stratford and Juliet in Ben Power’s A Tender Thing, the re-imagining of
Romeo and Juliet which premiered in Newcastle in the autumn. Kathryn, who is
probably one of the country’s most versatile actors, renowned for her physicality, is
also in rehearsals for her role as Cleopatra in Michael Boyd’s production of Antony
and Cleopatra.
David Farr said about his casting of Hunter as the Fool: “Kathryn is a unique
theatrical performer. She can bring emotional truth and physical ingenuity to anything
from monkeys to kings. She has a strange purity that I was looking for in casting the
Fool - a kind of holiness.”
The designer for King Lear is John Bausor, who collaborated with Farr on the RSC’s
2009 production of The Winter’s Tale. For this production they have created a
dystopian world with echoes of the future and the past - a mix of the medieval and
post industrial.
Charles Aitken plays Edgar, with Tunji Kasim playing his brother Edmund. Lear’s
daughters are played by Kelly Hunter (Goneril), Katy Stephens (Regan) and
Samantha Young (Cordelia).
Geoffrey Freshwater, who has played over 70 roles for the RSC over 4 decades, will
play the Duke of Gloucester and Darrell D’Silva will play the Duke of Kent.
The cast also includes: Adam Burton (Third Knight and Messenger), Brian Doherty
(King of France), Phillip Edgerley (Cornwall’s Servant), James Gale (Kent’s
Gentleman), Paul Hamilton (Doctor), Ansu Kabia, John Mackay (Albany), Sandy
Neilson (Old Man), Peter Shorey (Curan), Clarence Smith (Cornwall), Larrington
Walker (Servant), Sophie Russell (Singer) and Hannah Young.
Joining David Farr and Jon Bausor on the creative team are: Jon Clark (lighting
designer), Keith Clouston (composer), Ann Yee (movement director) and Kate
Waters (fight director).
ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Michael Boyd
Theatre Royal
Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 October
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DARRELL D’SILVA AND KATHRYN HUNTER IN TITLE ROLES
DESIGNS BY OLIVIER AWARD WINNING TOM PIPER
Michael Boyd directs Antony and Cleopatra, his third production with the RSC’s
current ensemble. In 2009 he directed Shakespeare’s As You Like It and Natal’ia
Vorozhbit’s The Grain Store.
Boyd has been Artistic Director of the company since July 2002, and was responsible
for the Newcastle Season when he was Associate Director. Under his leadership,
the RSC staged the Complete Works Festival in 2006, and staged Shakespeare’s
Histories over two and a half years with one ensemble of actors – winning a special
Evening Standard Award and three Olivier Awards.
In Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, two charismatic and powerful leaders –
played by Darrell D’Silva (Antony) and Kathryn Hunter (Cleopatra) are caught
between desire and duty. Their affair shakes the foundations of the known world as
power, politics and passion collide in Shakespeare’s captivating tragedy.
Darrell D’Silva’s other current roles for the RSC include: Polixenes in The Winter’s
Tale, Mark Antony in Julius Caesar, Kotomstev in The Drunks and Kent in King Lear.
His many previous credits for the company include: Hecuba with Vanessa Redgrave,
Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Camino Real and Spanish Tragedy.
He has worked extensively for the National Theatre in plays which include: The Rose
Tattoo, Royal Hunt of the Sun, Tales from the Vienna Woods and a tour of Closer.
His television work includes: A Very British Sex Scandal, Poppy Shakespeare,
Saddam’s Tribe and Spooks and he appeared in the film Dirty Pretty Things.
Kathryn is renowned for her versatility as both a director and actor. Her other acting
work for the RSC in this 09/10 repertoire includes: Gavrilo in The Grain Store, Juliet
in Ben Power’s A Tender Thing and The Fool in King Lear. She recently directed
Othello for the RSC which was performed at Northern Stage (2009).
Kathryn’s other theatre work includes Fragments for the Young Vic, Celestina for
Birmingham Rep and the Edinburgh Festival, Richard III at the Globe and the title
role in King Lear. Her film and television credits include: Harry Potter and the Order
of the Phoenix, All or Nothing, Orlando, Silent Witness and Maria’s Child.
The cast for Antony and Cleopatra also includes: Charles Aitken (Philo, Ventidius
and Canidius), Adam Burton (Scarus and Decretas), Brian Doherty (Enobarbus),
Phillip Edgerley (Menas and Proceuleius), Geoffrey Freshwater (Agrippa), James
Gale (Maecenas and Dolabella), Paul Hamilton (Messenger and Egyptian), Greg
Hicks (Soothsayer), Ansu Kabia (Varrius, Gallus and Taurus), Tunji Kasim (Mardian),
John Mackay (Octavius Caesar), Sandy Neilson (Lepidus), Sophie Russell (Octavia),
Peter Shorey (Menecrates, Seleucus and Ambassador), Clarence Smith (Pompey),
Katy Stephens (Eros), James Tucker (Demetrius and Thidius), Larrington Walker
(Alexas and Silius), Hannah Young (Chamian) and Samantha Young (Iras).
Tom Piper, Michael Boyd’s long-time collaborator and designer has designed the set
and costumes for Antony and Cleopatra. He is an Associate Designer of the RSC
and was responsible for the design of Boyd’s award-winning 2006/8 Histories season
and more recently for his As You Like It. He is also designing Sam Mendes’
production of As You Like It for New York and London runs.
Lighting is by Wolfgang Goebbel, the composer is John Woolf, and fights are by
Terry King.
Young People’s Shakespeare 2010
HAMLET
By William Shakespeare
Edited by Tarell Alvin McCraney and Bijan Sheibani
Theatre Royal
Friday 8 and Saturday 9 October at 10.30am and 11am
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DHARMESH PATEL PLAYS HAMLET
UNIQUE ADAPTATION OF SHAKESPEARE’S MOST FAMOUS PLAY
The Royal Shakespeare Company performs its brand new version of Hamlet at the
Theatre Royal at 11am on Friday 8 October rand 10.30am on Saturday 9 October.
With an approximate running time of 70 minutes, the story has been condensed to
provide an ideal first experience of Shakespeare for 8 -11 year olds (Years 5, 6 and
7) and perfect for families. It will also to schools in Newcastle and Gateshead.
Comments from some Year 7 pupils who watched a recent performance at
Claremont High School in London:
Divya - "It was funny and the acting was really good because it felt like it was real
and like I was there 400 years ago."
Georgia - "It was so full of emotions."
Devkia - "When Hamlet said 'To be or not to be' it was very powerful."
Basim - "It was kool u know."
Rakhee - "It was a real thriller at the end."
Myisha - "It was very enjoyable and you can actually understand everything they are
doing. My favourite moment was when Ophelia let out her true feelings to Hamlet. I
don't really know why I liked it."
Jade - "I will remember the part when they all die. I didn't want them to die."
Tulsi - "I never saw a famous company come in and perform. The Ghost was best
because his use of words was fantastic."
The ‘See it Live’ principle behind Stand up for Shakespeare, the RSC’s manifesto
which aims to improve the way that Shakespeare is experienced in schools, is
brought to life with this accessible, high energy production.
Hamlet is directed by the award-winning American writer and director Tarell Alvin
McCraney, who has edited the text specially for this production with Bijan Sheibani.
Shakespeare’s original text is used throughout the adaptation.
On why he wanted to direct this play for children, Tarell said: “One day, when I was
about seven, a troupe of actors and dancers offered me a gift that changed my life. I
want to continue to offer that gift to every young person I can.”
Tarell is the RSC/Capital International Playwright in Residence and Bijan is the
British-Iranian Artistic Director of the Actors Touring Company. They previously
worked together when Bijan directed Tarrell’s play, The Brothers Size to huge critical
acclaim.
Dharmesh Patel plays Hamlet; Dyfan Dwyfor, Laertes; Gruffud Glyn, Guildenstern;
Peter Peverley, Polonius; Patrick Romer, The Ghost and Gravedigger; Debbie
Korley, Ophelia; Simone Saunders, Horatio; David Rubin, Claudius and Kirsty
Woodward plays Gertrude.
This production follows the success of the RSC/Told by an Idiot Young People’s
version of A Comedy of Errors which successfully toured to schools in, Newcastle
and Gateshead and had a sell-out performance at the Theatre Royal.
Jamie Luck, Acting Head of the RSC’s Young People’s programme said:
“The huge success of our YPS Primary school tour of A Comedy of Errors in 09
encouraged us not to hold back from challenging our young audiences, regardless of
perceived notions of what the typical primary school Shakespeare texts should be.
Expect great things of our young people, and they inevitably rise to the occasion.
When questioned about the suitability of Hamlet for children, Tarrell reasoned that
the play is in essence a ghost story played out against the backdrop of a
dysfunctional family. What’s not to get for students of their age?”
Tarell Alvin McCraney said; “I have a long-standing love of working with young
people and, and I believe in the RSC’s Stand up for Shakespeare manifesto. I
believe that Shakespeare is for all people, which is why his work has survived for so
many years. Hamlet is a great play to tour to schools as it deals directly with young
people and their families.”
On editing the play, he added: “Bijan and I felt that we needed to preserve some of
the most quoted lines from the most famous play in the world. We also wanted to
expose its sometimes forgotten plot structure.
“Dharmesh Patel, who plays Hamlet, is an actor of such energy and passion and is
one of the sweetest, most complicated people I’ve ever met. I saw him in the RSC’s
production of The Grain Store and thought that he had the ability to rally a crowd. He
brings a well of power to the role and a real sense of being a team player.
“The entire company realises that Hamlet may be the title of the piece but it’s a play
that needs us all to make it fly and deliver it beautifully to our audience.”
Joining Tarell on the creative team are Associate Director Michael Fentiman,
Designers, Tom Piper and Jean Chan and Fight Director Terry King.
The RSC 2010 season appears at the Theatre Royal Newcastle from 28 September
– 16 October 2010. Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on
08448 11 21 21 or online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk
-ENDSFor further information please contact Nada Zakula at the RSC press office on
01789 412622 or 07831 766086, nada.zakula@rsc.org.uk
Or Marianne Quayle at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle on 0191 244 2518 or
marianne.quayle@theatreroyal.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
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The Box office number is 08448 112121, www.theatreroyal.co.uk
More RSC information on www.rsc.org.uk/newcastle
RSC photographs can be downloaded from www.epo-online.com
The RSC ensemble is generously supported by THE GATSBY FOUNDATION
and THE KOVNER FOUNDATION