Theatre / The Winter's Tale
Local cast and production team announced for Shakespeare’s ‘The Winter’s Tale’
A 21-strong cast and production team has been announced for the major new staging of The Winter’s Tale, which runs at Tobacco Factory Theatres from February 25-March 29.
The actors include Alice Barclay as Hermione/Mopsa, Bill Ward as Polixenes/Lord Sicilia, Felix Hayes as Leontes, Dorian Simpson as Camillo, Corrina Buchan as the Clown/Dion and Stu McLoughlin as Antigonus/Autolycus.
Sian Weeding is the show producer, Edwina Bridgeman is the designer, and musical direction and composition comes from Ian Ross. Movement direction is led by Laila Dialo and Ania Varez, and lighting and sound design from Imogen Senter and Liza Purnell respectively.
is needed now More than ever
As director Heidi Vaughan notes, every member of the company is based within a 25-mile radius of Bristol; a point of pride that is “testament to the strength and quality of the South West’s creative community”.
The show is significant for another key reason, too. It represents the first in-house Shakespeare production at the venue since the end of Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory (stf) – which ran for two decades leading up to its closure during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cast and production announced for Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale – photo: Tobacco-Factory Theatres
For Vaughan, who is also the artistic director and CEO of Tobacco Factory Theatres, the importance of curating a richly eclectic programme cannot be overstated, since it is key to widening access to the artform.
“Both new works and classics are presented with the goal of removing barriers,” she asserts, “allowing as many people as possible to experience the magic of theatre.”
The Winter’s Tale is an ideal introduction for audiences who may not have previous experience of The Bard.
“Shakespeare’s plays are generally split into comedies, tragedies, or romances, but The Winter’s Tale uniquely blends all three,” explains Vaughan.
“This production will explore the play’s dramatic shifts – from the jealousy and heartbreak of its tragic beginnings to the humour and joy of its romantic resolution – offering audiences a rich and varied theatrical experience, particularly those new to Shakespeare.”
The Winter’s Tale – artwork: Tobacco Factory Theatres
The Winter’s Tale is at Tobacco Factory Theatres on February 25-March 29, with previews running February 20-22. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.
Main photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
