Category: Theatre

As You Like It (1599): William Shakespeare

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As You Like It: William Shakespeare

★★★★

(Iris Theatre, St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, until 4 August 2012)

Once again, in the grounds of St Paul’s Church in the heart of Covent Garden, Iris Theatre have created a little pocket of Arcadia. Last year it was the woods of Athens, for A Midsummer Night’s Dream; this year their unique brand of magic transforms the garden into the Forest of Arden, for As You Like It. As today was one of those rare summer days when London enjoyed glorious sunshine and Mediterranean temperatures, I decided to seize the moment and went off for some immersive Shakespeare.

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The Tempest (1611): William Shakespeare

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The Tempest: William Shakespeare

★★★★

(Antic Disposition, Middle Temple Hall, 20 August – 3 September 2011)

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. ‘She didn’t go to see The Tempest again?!’ Well, yes; I did. Yesterday, while browsing Google in search of other reviews of the Haymarket production, I stumbled across a website for this version also currently being performed in London. I liked the sound of the young and independent theatre company, Antic Disposition (founded in 2005), and was impressed by the reviews of their previous Shakespeare productions. Plus, they were performing The Tempest at Middle Temple Hall, the glorious Elizabethan dining hall of one of the Inns of Court, where Twelfth Night received its very first performance.

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The Tempest (1611): William Shakespeare

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ARTS THEATER

★★★

(Theatre Royal, Haymarket, 27 August – 29 October 2011)

I wanted so badly to enjoy this play, which I booked after seeing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern at the same venue. It was the final treat of my summer holiday.  I looked forward to seeing another production directed by Trevor Nunn; and I couldn’t wait to see Ralph Fiennes on stage again.  When I saw him in Oedipus, at the National Theatre in 2008, his performance was raw, haunting, and stayed with me for days.  I was sure that The Tempest would be a tour de force; but I’m sorry to say it fell short of expectations.

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1595/96): William Shakespeare

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A Midsummer Night's Dream

★★★★½

(Iris Theatre, St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, 2 July – 6 August)

Certain plays are made to be performed outside, and the garden play par excellence is A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Completely by chance, I spotted the banner for Iris Theatre’s current production in the gardens of St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden.  It sounded like a lovely way to start off the week and, since the weather promised to be fine, I roped in a colleague to come along with me.

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