We Are Ipswich - Marking the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death
As you may have heard, Saturday 23 April 2016 will mark the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death.
Luckily in here in Ipswich, audiences can enjoy a whole host of events coming up over the next few months brought to you by the New Wolsey Theatre and Red Rose Chain, to commemorate, celebrate and remember the Bard’s landmark writing.
The companies have come together to present to you what you could be enjoying this Spring/Summer:
SHAKESPEARE UNTOLD
MON 25 APRIL
The stories you know from the characters you don’t. This family-friendly double bill comes from London’s world-renowned venue, Shakespeare’s Globe. In Romeo Untold, the story of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet is retold through the eyes of the Capulet Ball’s party planner. Titus Untold retells Shakespeare’s goriest tragedy, Titus Andronicus, as seen from the kitchen of Titus’s piemaker. Suitable for the whole family, this production is the perfect way to introduce your younger theatre fans into Shakespeare.
New Wolsey Theatre 1pm & 7pm
SHAKESPEARE’S RICHARD III
6 MAY – 4 JUNE
In May, Red Rose Chain will begin their Shakespeare anniversary celebrations by bringing Shakespeare into their new theatre in Ipswich, The Avenue, for the first time ever - with Richard III. Never ones to shy away from the unexpected, be prepared for spine-chilling suspense mixed with comedy and seduction. Joanna Carrick’s interpretation is an ideal choice for stubborn teenagers, or anyone looking to test their nerves in the face of Shakespeare’s bloodiest play.
Murder, jealousy, intrigue and treason – enter the theatre if you dare! The Avenue Theatre 7.30pm, Sat matinees at 3.30pm
THE COMPLETE DEATHS
SAT 4 JUNE
There are 74 onstage deaths in the works of William Shakespeare - 75 if you count the black ill-favoured fly killed in Titus Andronicus. From the Roman suicides in Julius Caesar to the death fall of Prince Arthur in King John; from the carnage at the end of Hamlet to snakes in a basket in Antony & Cleopatra. Spymonkey will perform them all - sometimes lingeringly, sometimes messily, sometimes movingly, sometimes musically, always hysterically. Adapted and directed by Tim Crouch (I, Malvolio, An Oak Tree, Adler & Gibb), The Complete Deaths will be a solemn, sombre and sublimely funny tribute, that will close the New Wolsey Theatre’s Pulse Festival.
New Wolsey Theatre 8pm
LIVE SHAKESPEAREATHON
4 JUNE – 5 JUNE
Red Rose Chain’s biggest fundraising event to date will take place in June, kicking off straight after their last performance of Richard III with an epic 25 hour live Shakespeareathon at The Avenue Theatre. The event is a fitting way to celebrate 25 years of the theatre company’s success so far (it all started with a 24 hour
Shakespeareathon back in 1990) and invites absolutely anyone to get involved as a sponsor for as little as £2 to watch or £10 to perform, to raise funds towards their community work. The ultimate way to showcase Shakespeare’s lasting impact even 400 years after his death! The Avenue Theatre Sat 4 June 9.30pm to Sun 5 June 10.30pm
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
16 JUNE – 9 JULY
Sir Trevor Nunn returns to his home town to direct William Shakespeare’s comedy of mismatched love. Patron of the New Wolsey Theatre, and former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, he has thus far directed 36 of Shakespeare’s 37 plays, with this production completing the collection. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of the Elizabethan writer’s most popular plays, enjoyed worldwide by audiences and school children alike. A play dedicated to magic, amazement, theatrics and passion - it showcases the poetry of Shakespeare in an entertaining and accessible way to all.
Sponsored by Ashtons Solicitors.
New Wolsey Theatre 7.45pm, 7pm Tuesday, Wed & Sat matinees 2.30pm
THE TEMPEST – THEATRE IN THE FOREST
26 JULY – 28 AUGUST
As summer gets into full swing, thousands will flock once again to the beautiful woodland clearing at
Jimmy’s Farm as Jimmy Doherty hosts Red Rose Chain’s unmissable summer extravaganza Theatre in the Forest, which has grown year on year to become the region’s largest outdoor theatre event. This summer, prepare to be spellbound by Shakespeare’s supernatural spectacular, The Tempest! Featuring the return of crowd-favourite and Theatre in the Forest royalty (King Lear) Edward Day, Joanna Carrick’s adaptation will make wizards of you all whether you’re new to Shakespeare or a seasoned fan. Sponsored by Scrutton Bland and Lay & Wheeler, Theatre in the Forest is outdoors and under the stars!
Jimmy’s Farm, Tue to Sat at 7.30pm, Sat matinees at 2pm, extra show on Sun 28 August at 7.30pm
