[16
FEB 01] ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY NEWS
Four Hundred
Years Of Twelfth Night
The
400th anniversary of one of William Shakespeare’s most popular
comedies will be celebrated this year by re-building the main stage at
the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford.
A
single, wide stage that brings the audience close to the action will
be created by designer Alison Chitty next month.
The
simple deign will be used for all three plays to tread the boards
during the summer season, starting with Hamlet on 31 March, directed
by Stephen Pimlott.
The
title role of the Danish Prince is taken by Samuel West, who will be
in his second RSC season, after playing the title role in the hugely
successful Richard II.
He
will be in the unique position of still performing as Richard II in
The Pit Theatre in London during the previews of Hamlet in Stratford.
Twelfth
Night is also being produced this year, four centuries after the Bard
is thought to have written the comic tale of mistaken identity.
The
production by Lindsay Posner will take an Edwardian feel. Leading
roles are taken by Guy Henry, as Malvolio, who is also appearing as
King John at The Other Place.
Zoe
Waites will be Viola, and Matilda Ziegler, better known as Mr Bean’s
girlfriend in the Rowan Atkinson comedy, will play Olivia.
Julius
Caesar will also be showing at the theatre.
During
the building work, which starts on 5 March, access to the public
facilities at the RSC will remain open. The temporary stage will take
three weeks to build and members of the public will be able to see the
work in progress.
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