“It’s like King Lear, only happier … and more complete.” First performed in 1611, The Winter’s Tale is one of Shakespeare’s later plays. Indeed, it seems to return to the themes of Lear – madness, revenge, love, betrayal, exile, and grief – but allows its protagonist to complete his journey. A short synopsis for the benefit of those – most of us? – who have neither read nor seen the original? A task beyond the ken of great men – after all, if Shakespeare had wanted to write brief plays he would have! Suffice it to say then that this will be a marvellous opportunity for us all to put that omission to rights as we revel in this tale of love, jealousy and hate, of mistaken assumptions that result in abandonment. Not to mention the most famous stage direction in the Shakespearean canon: “Exit, pursued by Bear!” And don’t worry, The Winter’s Tale may start out all doom and gloom – or should that be fire and brimstone – but, as in life, the bad times are only short lived; viva la vie Boheme!
Cast and crew
Director
Neal BarberCast
Hermione/Time/Mopsa - Barbara WalshMamillius - Laniet Swann
Emelia / Perdita - Sherilee Shackleton
2nd Lady/Camillo/Lord/3rd Gentleman - Simon Ashby
Leontes - Paul Ellicott
Polixines/Lord/Servant - Chris Hopkins
Paulina/Mopsa - Ellie Swann
Gaoler/Clown/Servant/1st Gentleman - Alya Maclean
Anitgonus/Autolycus - Michaela Hunter
Servant/Florizel - Michelle Fidow
Lord/Shepherd/2nd Gentleman - Wyeth Chalmers
Crew
Technical Director - Meegan CloughleyAssistan Set Design &Construction - Laniet Swann
Costumes - Leigh Paterson
Costumes - Ellie Swann
Costumes - Sandy Wicken
Technical Operation - Meegan Cloughley
Technical Operation - David Coxon
Technical Assistants - Ellie Warman-Grieder
Technical Assistants - Ryan Ward
Rehearsal Prompt - Martin Swann
Poster Design - Luci McConnon
Publicity - Roslyn Nijenhuis
Front of House - Rosemary Beresford
Photography - Melanie Peters