Custom has it that William Shakespeare was born on 26th April and died on St Georges Day – 23rd April – just short of his 52nd birthday,
This year’s quatro-centenary of his death kicks off at the Merlin with a live screening of the RSC Stratford celebrations.
Shakespeare Live!, a star-studded show, hosted by David Tennant and screened direct from Stratford-upon-Avon, celebrates Shakespeare’s plays and their enduring influence on music, dance, opera, musical theatre and comedy in a two-hour event.
RSC artistic director, Gregory Doran, is assembling a once-in-a-lifetime cast, including Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Joseph Fiennes, Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Al Murray, Alison Moyet, Noma Dumezweni, Ian Bostridge, Rufus Wainwright, Tim Minchin, Paapa Essiedu, Pippa Nixon, Alexandra Gilbreath, Akala (Hip Hop Shakespeare), The Royal Ballet, English National Opera (ENO), The Orchestra of the Swan, and Birmingham Royal Ballet, to perform in a unique tribute to the genius and influence of the world’s greatest playwright and storyteller.
The last big Shakespeare date was the four hundredth anniversary of his birth, over 50 years ago, so this is a one-off chance to celebrate our greatest playwright in style!
Later in the year, the Merlin has live RSC screenings of Hamlet (10th June), Cymbeline (28th September) and King Lear (10th October), plus a Branagh Theatre Live screening of Romeo and Juliet during Frome Festival in July. Tickets are £16, concessions £10.50 for all live screenings.
Look out for two outdoor live performances on ECOS: The Tempest from Quantum Theatre on 24th June and A Midsummer Night’s Dream from Illyria on 20th July. Details and booking at www.merlin theatre.co.uk or phone 01373 465949.
Many of these shows have a pre-show supper option, served 45 mins before the performance with mains at £7.50, puds for £3.50 or two courses for £10, payable on the night. To book, please contact Keren Hayden at kerenhayden@gmail.com or tel: 07968 753632.
Above: Dame Judi Dench, The Merry Wives of Windsor
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