The Merlin’s Live Screenings now to include RSC Productions

Just a year ago the Merlin joined the National Theatre Live programme of live screenings, bringing world class theatre to the heart of Frome.

Already these broadcasts have become an integral part of the theatre’s season and audiences have enjoyed plays as varied as ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’, ‘Frankenstein’, ‘The Crucible’ and, most recently Shaw’s ‘Man and Superman’.

The summer season continues with ‘Everyman’, a modern adaptation of the medieval morality play by poet Carol Ann Duffy on Thursday 16th July. Autumn offers include ‘The Beaux Stratagem’ and ‘Coriolanus’ in September and  Benedict Cumberbatch in ‘Hamlet’ in October.

This year, the Merlin adds another string to its bow with the addition of screenings from the RSC. Unlike the National, which offers a mix of classical and modern theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s productions are predominantly plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

Local audiences now have the opportunity to see ‘The Merchant of Venice’, with Makram J. Khoury, one of the most celebrated actors in Israel, as Shylock and Patsy Ferran as Portia, on Wednesday 22nd July. ‘Othello’ follows on Wednesday 26th August, with Hugh Quarshie (from TV’s ‘Holby City) in the lead, with a new production of Henry V in October.

Several of these screenings were finalised too late for inclusion in the Merlin’s current brochure, but details can be found on the website: www.merlintheatre.co.uk