The Royal Shakespeare Company will hold an open day at their Stratford Upon-Avon base, to feature such company stars as Patrick Stewart, David Bradley and Vanessa and Corin Redgrave. And, on Saturday, April 23 Shakespeare's Globe in London will hold its own birthday party. Entrance to both days will be free, though some of the RSC special events will be charged; tickets can be booked in advance by calling (0)1789 403492.
The free RSC events include “Sword Play and Pulling Punches with Terry King” in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It’s a rare master class with the RSC’s resident stage-fighting expert.
Other events for which there is a charge include:
“Shakespeare’s Wizards,” Swan Theatre — “Harry Potter” stars and RSC actors David Bradley and Ray Fearon join TV presenter Poi Fan Lee to talk about magic in Shakespeare and elsewhere.
“From Stratford to Hollywood,” Swan Theatre — Patrick Stewart and Samantha Bond talk about their journeys from the RSC to Tinseltown.
“Shakespeare’s Bottom,” Swan Theatre — RSC Bottoms Desmond Barrit, David Troughton and Malcolm Storry talk about playing the famous role from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “How Shakespeare Writes for Actors,” Swan Theatre — RSC Honorary Director John Barton joins Vanessa and Corin Redgrave to discuss the subject.
"Theatre Surgeries," Swan Theatre Reading Room — featuring leading experts, including actors Ishia Bennison and Richard Cordery, director Rachel Kavanaugh and casting director John Cannon.
“What Shakespeare Did for Us,” Swan Theatre — the historian Michael Wood will join RSC Associate Director Gregory Doran, Lord Hattersley and actors David Oyelowo, Kathryn Hunter and Alexandra Gilbreath to talk about Shakepeare’s legacy.
“Star Tours” — a comprehensive backstage tour, culminating in tea and cake in the Green Room.
“The Big Party,” Swan Gardens Marquee (suitable for 18 year olds and over) — a chance for the public to mingle with RSC stars over champagne and birthday cake, and to admire a special fashion show, dancing and fireworks.
By the River Thames, the Globe will be having its own party. There will be games, tours and performances celebrating all things Bardish. Visitors will be allowed to perform lines from Shakespeare on the Globe’s stage; Globe actors will offer advice on performing Shakespeare; and there will be music, side shows and traditional party food. Doors open at 9:30 AM.
