[h2]Stoke-on-Trent welcomes a glamorous cast in the acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company production of The Winter’s Tale this Spring.[/h2]
Starring Tara Fitzgerald making her Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) debut in this epic Shakespeare story of sexual jealousy, misplaced cruelty and abandoned children.
The production was staged earlier this year at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon before embarking on a nationwide tour. At Stratford this production managed to gel both the horror and comedy from The Winter’s Tale into an intense drama.
The first half of this classic serves up tense psychological drama while the second act is is more ‘Rom Com’ a romantic comedy, with a continuing undertone of menace throughout
For example the the brutality shown by principal character King Leontes to his wife and King Polixenes to his son bring gasps from the audience.
[h3]What’s It About?[/h3]
The story follows King Leontes, of Sicilia, as he is consumed with bitter jealousy over unfounded fears that his wife Hermione (Tara Fitzgerald) is being unfaithful with his close friend Polixennes, king of neighbouring Bohemia. Leontes(Jo Stone-Fewings) resorts to drastic measures, which lead to his newborn daughter being discarded into the wild.
Act 2 skips 15 years into the future, exploring the romantic shenanigans of Hermione and Leontes’ grown-up daughter Perdit, who is blissfully unaware of her royal parentage.
[blockquote]Lucy Bailey directs following her acclaimed 2012 RSC production of The Taming of the Shrew, which toured the UK, following its performances in Stratford-upon-Avon. Stone-Fewings wonderfully depicts a man who becomes more and more mentally unhinged and Fitzgerald makes a strong RSC debut, stirringly defiant yet emotional as Hermione fights to save her life.[/blockquote]
[h3]Why should you see it?[/h3]
In Staffordshire we are rarely lucky enough to get a visit from one of the most famous theatre companies in the world.
Plus, the debut RSC performance by Tara Fitzgerald has been reviewed as simply stunning. (Editor says – loved her in Brassed Off – Concerto De Orange Juice!!!)
The Winter’s Tale is an interesting Shakespeare to see, because of its unusual change from dark in Act 1, to comedy in Act 2, and seeing how this is handled in the production is always fascinating, as it can sometimes prove problematic. Not here apparently, as the production has received rave reviews – and Staffordshire Arts says don’t Miss It!!
Of you do go please review some comments below – or email us your review so we can share it here on www.staffordshirearts.co.uk
[h3]When is it on?[/h3]
This production will run for a very short time, at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-On-Trent from 16 April to 20 April 2013.
Regent Theatre
Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST1 1AP
[h3]How to book[/h3]
Box Office: 0844 871 7649
