Springtime ... for Shakespeare .. in Stratford ... and soon New York!

[jhava]

One of the joys of living in England is the ability to experience Shakespeare as it was meant to be performed -- in the round (and or thrust depending upon the theatre), by a troupe of talented actors, and preferably in Stratford.

Yesterday, after a long and maddening work week, I met up with evildrem in the birthplace of the Bard to see a production of

Comments

[kathyh]

It's a beautiful venue.

That's great to hear. We're going in the summer and I'm excited already. I really loved the Courtyard when we went to see Le Morte D'Arthur last summer (my birthday treat to myself) and I was delighted to hear the new theatre has a similar thrust (that sounds vaguely rude *g*) stage.

it turned out that virtually everyone from Le Morte d/Arthur was going to be appearing in this ensemble

We had this experience too. We saw "The Winter's Tale", "As You Like It" and "King Lear" at the Roundhouse this winter and everyone from Le Morte D'Arthur who wasn't in "The Winter's Tale" was in "As You Like It"! Jonjo O'Neill was very good as Orlando so I'm kicking myself now for not going to see "Romeo and Juliet".

let's not talk about the fact it took 4 1/2 hours to get there

Oh, dear!

[jhava]

I only started going to Stratford over the past couple of years so to me, the Courtyard was my base of expectations -- and I adored that theatre! As for the new RSC theatre -- think of the Courtyard, but more comfortable, with a versatile stage (we're talking fabulous special effects now). Win/win!!

And we are lucky indeed that there are such close connections between the RSC in Stratford and the Roundhouse.

As for that 4 1/2 hour commute, I think I'll be driving up next time. Absent an accident on the motorway, I'll be there much faster!!

[mogwai_do]

Chiltern were the ones who cancelled the train on me when we went to see Tenant's Hamlet, gave me no explanation, no indication of what they were doing about it, no contact details for complaint either.

But aside from Chiltern's general incompetence, sounds like you had a fab time :)

[jhava]

I am flabbergasted by the fact that the only railway which services Stratford would be so cavalier about their service. How many thousands of people each month travel to Stratford via rail? Or should I say, how many fewer people will travel via rail because of their poor experiences?

Frankly, if this keeps up, petrol be damned; I'd rather pay the money for petrol than fume about the lack of service I'm getting on Chiltern.

But otherwise -- yes! It was a fabulous production!!! :D

[bigtitch]

Sounds like a fab time, even with a nightmare journey.
Romeo and Juliet is the one play that's practically guaranteed to reduce me to tears. I'm looking forward to Merchant and Macbeth.

[jhava]

It was a fabulous time! But I'll definitely be thinking about driving next time ;).

And here's looking forward to seeing you at Merchant (as I shan't be doing Macbeth this year -- I've got Richard III and Much Ado About Nothing still to look forward to!!).