The Winter's Tale

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The Winter's Tale tour

by William Shakespeare

  • Director: John Dove
  • Designer: Michael Taylor
  • Composer: Stu Barker
  • Choreographer: Sian Williams

In August 1593, Edward Alleyn (leading actor of the Lord Admiral's Men who performed at the Rose theatre) wrote from Bristol to his wife in London while he was touring the provinces with the Lord Admiral's men. He began his letter: 'My good sweet mouse I commend me hartely to you...'

This summer, a small group of dedicated actors toured a Shakespeare play from the Globe theatre. The Globe's company of travelling players performed The Winter's Tale in castles, gardens and parks across the UK.

GlobeLink followed the tour and published the findings the actors made about performing Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale in different spaces.

In the tradition of Edward Alleyn's letter actors wrote a letter home to the Globe from each venue on The Winter's Tale tour, telling us about their discoveries and the problems they encountered.

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Discover the play

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Cast

Benjamin Askew Florizel
Michael Benz Paulina
John Dougall Leontes
Sasha Hails Hermione
Brendan Hughes
Polixines
Niamh McCann Perdita
Fergal McElherron Antigonus/Autolycus
Andrew Vincent Camillo

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Reviews

'John Dove's simply staged traverse production has the rough and ready energy of a company of strolling players who have just turned up to do a show... No mistaking the frantic fury of John Dougall's misguided king, or the emotional intensity of Sasha Hails' wronged Hermione... There are moments when you taste the play afresh' The Guardian

'Raucous comedy and crowd-pleaseing stunts... No shortage of energy and imagination... A versatile company who clearly enjoy being on stage together' LondonPaper

'Excellent... A superb Sasha Hails... As per tradition, men also play the role of women and none better than Michael Benz as Paulina' Northern Echo

'Sasha Hails emerges as a lovely, fragile yet indestructible Hermione' The Scotsman

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