MEMBERSSEPTEMBER 2015 ’NEWSFULL MEMBER NEW RSC FULL MEMBERS’ TICKET HOTLINE 01789 403458 BOOK ONLINE OR VISIT EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS’ PAGES AT www.rsc.org.uk/membership

TO

HE WAS NOT OF AN AGE, BUT FOR ALL TIME!

MEMBERS' PRIORITY BOOKING DATES FOR STRATFORD-UPON-AVON AND LONDON BARBICAN FULL MEMBERS' WEB AND TELEPHONE BOOKING OPENS MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2015 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS' WEB AND TELEPHONE BOOKING OPENS MONDAY 5 OCTOBER 2015 PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS MONDAY 19 OCTOBER 2015 GREGORY DORAN – RSC ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

2016 is a remarkable SUMMER 2016 BEYOND STRATFORD year. It is 400 years Simon Godwin (The Two Gentlemen of Verona 2014) From an international perspective, we will tour since the death of will direct and we are very excited to Henry IV and to China: to Beijing, announce that Paapa Essiedu will play the title role. Shanghai and Hong Kong, and then the full cycle , Paapa played Fenton in our most recent The Merry to the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York for Wives of Windsor and a stunning Romeo at the Shakespeare’s Birthday. We have a very special our house playwright. Tobacco Factory in Bristol earlier this year. relationship with America and it is fitting to be So we want to There has not been a production of on celebrating with our American supporters next year. the main stage for many years. Working through encourage everybody the canon over the next few years allows us to give to visit us in his home weight and scale to lesser known Shakespeare plays. Melly Still, who is directing, has had many town. For seasoned recent successes at the National Theatre. She has regulars or for those wanted to direct Cymbeline for some time and I really liked her approach to the play at a recent yet to experience a workshop. Shakespeare play – was to be the first production that Antony Sher and I planned to work on together this is the year to visit when I took over as Artistic Director. I was not the Stratford-upon-Avon director originally slated for Death of a Salesman and the story of how he came to play Falstaff is and join the now vividly retold in his book, The Year of the Fat Knight. Further details of King Lear and the celebrations. remaining 2016 productions will be in a future newsletter. SWAN THEATRE I enjoy working with directors whose approach is radically different from my own, so I really look forward to Maria Aberg’s modern fresh take on Marlowe’s great Doctor Faustus. Cervantes died on the same date as Shakespeare – so I decided to commission a new version of Don Quixote some time ago. James Fenton, who

adapted The Orphan of Zhao (2012), has been Photo by Paul Stuart developing a new version which will be directed by Angus Jackson (Oppenheimer 2015) and it A LASTING LEGACY promises to be very exciting. Shakespeare creates a passport through life. As a child you may be entranced by stories of witches In 1616 Ben Jonson produced a folio of his own and ghosts, fairies and shipwrecks and battles. plays, poems and essays. It was the first time any Then as you grow up the words begin to enchant, playwright had published an omnibus edition of or the psychology of the characters and their their own plays: a significant moment. If Jonson intriguing emotional journeys seem to echo your had not printed his folio it seems to me to have A PLAY FOR THE NATION THE SHAKESPEARE SHOW own. And then the politics grab you and the plays Our flagship production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a way of Stratford-upon-Avon has the honour and the been very unlikely that John Hemmings and seem to articulate the world around you, to put into taking Shakespeare to new audiences, both regionally and privilege of keeping the Shakespeare flame alive would have chosen to publish their words what you can only think. nationally. It highlights two initiatives that may not always get and in 2016 we invite the world to celebrate. friend Shakespeare’s plays in 1623 (seven years celebrated fully – our Learning and Performance Network A special evening, hosted by David Tennant, after his death). And if they had not published But what is always present, what always draws you for schools and Open Stages where we connect with amateur will showcase Shakespeare’s legacy across opera, this , half of his plays would be lost to us, in are the extraordinary words. Apart from seeing theatre makers. ballet, musical theatre, even rap music. Working as they had not been printed in quarto form before us from 360 degrees, he creates a real spectrum his death. Next year we celebrate Jonson’s legacy of human behaviour. He touches all human life and 500 school children and 98 amateur actors will work with the RSC in with the BBC, it will be broadcast live to television with The Alchemist directed by Polly Findlay experience. Every play is different. There is a play their communities and then have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to and, as such, this event is not ticketed. There will ( 2015, for every mood. He gives us the words, when words perform on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage alongside be a ballot for a chance to attend and details will 2014), following this summer’s acclaimed fail us. professional actors, to create a production that is everything you be announced in the New Year. The event will end production of Volpone. would expect from the RSC. The BBC have recognised this and also with a spectacular free fireworks display. GREGORY DORAN feel it is an exciting way to celebrate Shakespeare next year. RSC Artistic Director A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 2016

17 February – 16 July 2016 Deputy Artistic Director THE BBC AND OUR BOTTOMS! A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: The BBC will be capturing all of the action in 30 minute A PLAY FOR THE NATION 2016 TOUR Erica Whyman, has led the documentaries that will follow our journey as we put on show’s creative team 2,360 the production with both amateur and professional Stratford-upon-Avon* Nottingham actors, during the UK wide tour. This will show the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Theatre Royal miles to audition 586 pressures and pitfalls of such a project, culminating in 17 February – 5 March 2016 3 – 7 May 2016 the opening night of each region’s local performance. Featuring The Nonentities and Featuring Lovelace Theatre amateur theatre makers in Group Craig Henderson, Head of Programming, BBC English The Bear Pit Tickets www.trch.co.uk 95 workshops. Regions said: ‘We’re delighted to be working so closely Tickets: www.rsc.org.uk or or telephone 0115 989 5555 with both the RSC and some of our regional theatres telephone your Ticket Hotline across England. We’ll be following the ups and downs, Newcastle upon Tyne Truro as local amateur performers rub shoulders with some Northern Stage Hall for Cornwall of our finest Shakespearean actors, giving regional 16 – 26 March 2016 10 – 14 May 2016 Working within 12 regions and nations audiences a fascinating inside track on the productions Featuring The Castle Players Featuring Carnon Downs for the 2016 production of A Midsummer over the coming year.’ and The People’s Theatre Drama Group Night’s Dream, we have selected 14 On sale late September/ The Best Bottoms in the Land (title TBC) will follow individual Tickets www.northernstage.co.uk amateur groups to play the Mechanicals early October stories from around the country and will air in spring or telephone 0191 230 5151 alongside a company of 18 professional Tickets www.hallforcornwall.co.uk 2016 on each regional English BBC One. This series of RSC Actors. This company will be joined Glasgow or telephone 01872 262466 programmes is part of the BBC’s Shakespeare Celebrations Citizens Theatre by local school children at each venue, to London in 2016. The BBC Two screening of the RSC's Shakespeare 29 March – 2 April 2016 play Titania’s fairy train. The professional Barbican Show, on Saturday 23 April 2016 to mark the Featuring The Citizens Dream company will be announced in a future 17 – 21 May 2016 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death was announced Players Newsletter. Featuring Tower Theatre earlier this year and the BBC will announce further details Tickets citz.co.uk or telephone The production opens in Stratford-upon-Avon Tickets: www.rsc.org.uk or of its 2016 Shakespeare programming later this autumn. 0141 429 0022 in February 2016, before embarking on a telephone your Ticket Hotline A CO-PRODUCTION BETWEEN THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY nationwide tour to all the regions and nations AND AMATEUR THEATRE COMPANIES ACROSS THE UK THE MECHANICALS Blackpool Cardiff of the UK, returning to Stratford-upon-Avon The amateurs are cast from all walks of life. In Glasgow Grand Theatre New Theatre with the entire company in June 2016. the Bottom owns an estate agency and Snug is a former 5 – 9 April 2016 24 – 28 May 2016 Erica Whyman, RSC Deputy Artistic policeman. The Newcastle Bottom, from County Durham, Featuring Poulton Drama Featuring Everyman Theatre Director, and director of A Midsummer is a pub landlord. The Canterbury Bottom completed the Tickets www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk On sale late October/ Night’s Dream: A Play for the Nation, said: London marathon last year. A local primary school or telephone 01253 290190 early November Principal plays Snout in Belfast and Snug is a painter and Bradford Tickets www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk ‘It has been a thrill and a privilege to meet decorator. Bottom is a teacher and rugby player in Truro, Alhambra Theatre or telephone 029 2087 8889 so many talented and dedicated amateur Snug’s a caretaker and Starveling is a council officer in 12 – 16 April 2016 actors from all over the United Kingdom. waste management. The Cardiff Flute works for the Belfast Featuring Leeds Arts Centre We have cast people from all kinds of railway and Snout works in a patisserie. In the Midlands, Grand Opera House The 6 Mechanicals will be played by amateur theatre companies from across the UK Tickets www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 31 May – 4 June 2016 backgrounds, with a wonderful range of THE NONENTITIES | THE BEAR PIT | THE CASTLE PLAYERS | THE PEOPLE’S THEATRE Flute is the vice-captain of a local rugby club and Quince THE CITIZENS DREAM PLAYERS | POULTON DRAMA | LEEDS ARTS CENTRE or telephone 01274 432000 Featuring The Belvoir Players voices, shapes and sizes, but every single is an ex-army officer. In Norwich an IT trainer will play THE CANTERBURY PLAYERS | THE COMMON LOT | LOVELACE THEATRE GROUP Tickets www.goh.co.uk one of them has already demonstrated CARNON DOWNS DRAMA GROUP | TOWER THEATRE | EVERYMAN THEATRE | THE BELVOIR PLAYERS Flute with a customer support worker playing Bottom. And Canterbury This is an arrangement developed between the RSC and Equity or telephone 028 9024 1919 tremendous courage, skill and hard work in London, Snug is a private hire driver and Quince a GP Marlowe Theatre to have survived the audition process and – just a flavour of some of the people who are now set to 19 – 23 April 2016 Royal Shakespeare Theatre* be selected to appear in A Midsummer perform on both their local theatre’s main stage and at the Featuring The Canterbury Players 15 June – 16 July 2016 Night’s Dream. And they have done all Royal Shakespeare Theatre alongside a professional Tickets www.marlowetheatre.com Featuring all the amateur this whilst holding down a huge range of company of RSC Actors. or telephone 01227 787787 companies from around the UK demanding jobs in the daytime. These first Tickets: www.rsc.org.uk or steps in creating a true “Play for the Norwich telephone your Ticket Hotline Nation” have been inspiring, humbling and MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Play for the Nation is a Theatre Royal co-production between the Royal Shakespeare Company 26 – 30 April 2016 very refreshing. Theatre is alive and well enjoy PRIORITY BOOKING for performances and practised with infectious enthusiasm and amateur theatre companies across the UK. This is Featuring The Common Lot *See schedule for details of which and impressive talent right across the in Stratford-upon-Avon and London an arrangement developed between the RSC and Equity. Tickets www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk amateur company is performing country, and Shakespeare’s magical comedy or telephone 01603 630000 on which dates. SEE COVER FOR DATES A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Play for the Nation has proved to be a very affectionate and is supported by Arts Council England Cross-Border Meet the amateur companies at fitting way to celebrate amateur actors Touring Fund. everywhere.’ www.rsc.org.uk/dream2016 LONDON

RSC SHAKESPEARE

UNEASY ON SCREEN BARBICAN, LONDON | 9 – 31 JANUARY 2016 Curated by John Wyver, RSC Director of Screen Productions, BARBICAN LONDON, 17 – 21 MAY 2016 LIES THE in association with the Barbican Cinema BROADCAST LIVE TO CINEMAS Accompanying the RSC’s work on stage, this cinematic 21 OCTOBER 2015 programme will uncover highlights from 50 years of HEAD THAT Shakespeare in performance, captured on stage or reconceived for film or television. Titles include Trevor Nunn’s iconic 1979 production of with Ian McKellen and WEARS A Judi Dench, originally performed at The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon, and Gregory Doran’s production of Hamlet, filmed on location, with David Tennant in the title role. The films will be accompanied by a programme of talks CROWN and platform events. Henry IV Part II, Act III, Scene I There are a limited number of discounted tickets available for RSC Members and Supporters. Quote code “40016” Join us for a series of talks at the Barbican, London, which focus when you book to get £1 off each ticket. on Shakespeare’s portrayals of Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V Priority Booking for RSC Supporters and Members opens and their individual approaches to leadership. RSC cast are Thursday 8 October. joined by actors who have played the roles in other notable Public Booking opens Monday 12 October. Photo by Topher McGrillis Photo by Topher London – Tower Theatre (l-r) productions, to discuss their thoughts on the characters. Al Freeman – Snout, Tom Tilllery – Starveling, Adam Moulder – Flute, Maria Waters – Quince, Peta Barker – Snug To book tickets and for updated listings, please call the Barbican and John Chapman – Bottom SATURDAY 14 SATURDAY 28 SATURDAY 16 Box Office on 020 7638 8894. Booking fees apply. NOVEMBER NOVEMBER JANUARY 2016 Further details and participants, including RSC Alumni, to be From 17 – 21 May, the nationwide 11AM – 12 NOON 11AM – 12 NOON 11AM – 12 NOON announced. Please visit www.barbican.org.uk/film for updates. tour of A Midsummer Night’s Dream: HENRY V HENRY IV RICHARD II Panel includes Panel includes A Play for the Nation, is at the Barbican Alex Hassell David Tennant UPGRADE YOUR in London. The Mechanicals will be played by Tower Theatre. TICKETS FOR MATILDA THE MUSICAL Established in 1932 as the Tavistock Repertory Company, To celebrate Matilda The Musical entering Tower Theatre puts on around 18 productions a year. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE For over 20 years the Company has performed a Shakespeare its fifth anniversary year in London we play in an open-air theatre in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris and also toured to other theatres. Tom Courtenay, Siân Phillips and are delighted to offer RSC Members and Michael Gambon are all former members of Tower Theatre. Supporters a special offer to see this multi award-winning production. For a limited time only, when you purchase a band A FIND YOUR NEAREST CINEMA AT ticket for £67.50 you can upgrade to a premium seat at no additional cost for Tuesday to Friday performances ONSCREEN.RSC.ORG.UK Photos by Kwame Lestrade until 1 October 2015. Tickets www.rsc.org.uk or telephone your Ticket Hotline Priority Booking for RSC Supporters and Members for these To book call your Ticket Hotline, quoting events opens Friday 11 September. All tickets £8. ‘Matilda September Upgrade’. Live from Stratford-upon-Avon is generously supported by SIDNEY E. FRANK FOUNDATION MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS ENJOY PRIORITY BOOKING Public Booking opens Monday 14 September. Terms and conditions: Offer does not apply to tickets already purchased FOR A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM @LivefromSUA To book, please call the Barbican Box Office on 020 7638 8894. and cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. A PLAY FOR THE NATION AT THE BARBICAN Book by 1 October 2015 for Tuesday – Friday performances from Further speakers to be announced. 1 September – 1 October 2015 only. /LivefromSUA All photos by Paul Stuart See cover for details Please note we cannot guarantee the appearance of any individual. Photos by Topher McGrillis COMPANY DavidAjao| DIRECTOR EricaWhyman DESIGNER SoutraGilmourLIGHTING CharlesBalfourMUSIC IsobelWaller-Bridge SOUNDAndrewFranks MOVEMENTAyse Tashkiran The Hecuba Companyinrehearsal NadiaAlbina | DerbhleCrotty | RayFearon | EdmundKingsley | AmyMcAllister | Derbhle Crotty ChuOmambala |

THEY FROM 17SEPTEMBER SWAN THEATRE | LaraStubbs and RayFearon Amy McAllister, ChuOmambala HAPPENED

ABOUT WILL DAY THIS THIS

... WHAT

Lara Stubbs LIE

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Edmund Kingsley Erica Whyman EXHIL NEW MARINA

AN

A BY R VERSION A TING CARR Ray Fearon are presented with the generous support ofRSCBoard MemberMirandaCurtis Hecuba and Queen Annearepresented withthegeneroussupport The RSC Literary Department is generously supported byTHEDRUE HEINZTRUST isgenerouslysupported Department The RSCLiterary Originally built in 1973, The Other Place studio theatre housed our developmental DISCOVERY TOURS: NEW CAFE BAR THE OTHER PLACE Open daily, the RSC’s brand new cafe bar and new work in Stratford-upon-Avon. was home to many landmark at The Other Place will serve the very best From Page to Stage productions involving actors including Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren. Fairtrade tea and coffee, sandwiches, This brand new tour will give salads and the most delicious cake in The Other Place closed in 2006 to make way for the temporary Courtyard Theatre, unprecedented access to the newly town. All food is freshly prepared on the transformed rehearsal rooms and costume premises by our in-house team of chefs. where we performed during the transformation of the Royal Shakespeare and store at The Other Place. A wide range of hot and cold, alcoholic Swan Theatres. In 2016 it reopens once more as our studio theatre and much more. Using first-hand accounts from directors and soft drinks are available throughout and actors, you will discover how the day. Opens Spring 2016 costumes and props used in rehearsals Photo by Lucy Barriball www.rsc.org.uk/eat can influence the performance. Hear about the role of the director, casting NEW FOR 2016 process, actor research and development The Other Place is currently opportunities and some of the different being redeveloped. Using rehearsal room techniques. the existing structure of Peek into the vast Costume Hire store, AVAILABLE TO HIRE The Courtyard Theatre and handle some notable pieces and hear Whether you are looking for a venue remodelling its internal spaces about actors wearing temporary items in for one-to-one meetings or conferences we will create a vibrant, new rehearsal to influence the movement and for up to 200 people, we will be able to mixed-use space, which will demeanour of their character. offer flexible spaces to hire in the creative become the creative engine atmosphere of The Other Place. You will also learn some of the fascinating of the company. history of The Other Place and its founder, With our in-house catering, technical The outside of the building director Buzz Goodbody. support and dedicated Event Managers, will look very similar, but we can bring theatrical glamour to your There will be tours daily from Spring the structure will include: business event or party. 2016, lasting about an hour and tickets ■ A 200-seat flexible studio cost £8.50 with group discounts and Planning a wedding, party or celebration? theatre, built within the concessions available. For Priority From intimate gatherings to full blown

external steel structure of Booking dates see cover. McGrillis Photo by Topher parties with a DJ, freshly prepared food The Courtyard Theatre and bar, give us a call and find out how To book your tour visit we can be part of your special day! ■ A new home for RSC www.rsc.org.uk/theatretours Costume Hire, making or call your Ticket Hotline. The Other Place will also be used as a 30,000 costumes readily location for filming or photographic Other guided Theatre Tours are also available to the public, film shoots – with RSC Costumes to hire onsite. available in the Royal Shakespeare companies, amateur theatre Theatre and Swan Theatre, visit Contact us to find out more and schools www.rsc.org.uk/theatretours [email protected] ■ Two new rehearsal rooms for more information. McGrillis Photo by Topher www.rsc.org.uk/hires ■ These new spaces will all The Other Place has been made possible thanks to the support of private and public funders, including very generous donations from The Gatsby Charitable be available for commercial Foundation and Backstage Trust, a £3 million Lottery grant from Arts Council England and a new creative partnership with the University of Birmingham, hires, conferences, wedding Founding Partner of The Other Place receptions, product launches and parties SWAN WING EXHIBITION – THE PLAY'S THE THING – NEW FOR 2016 ■ The changes will allow for In your next Newsletter we will announce further details of the new interactive exhibition that will open in the Swan Wing of our a brand new guided Theatre campus in 2016. Shining a spotlight on the creative theatre making process, and using rarely seen items from our museum Tour for the public, for collection, you will see how we have been creating world class productions in Stratford-upon-Avon for the past 130 years.

Photo by Joe Cocks groups and school parties PRODUCTION CYCLE

A day in the life of a Duty Manager Audio Description is a live commentary giving details of all the visual aspects of a Friday 24th April RST PRODUCTION Positions RST DM 7.15pm Death of a Salesman Alistair Goddon 1st Half 2nd Half RST (Audio Described) production. The commentary is Cloakroom Karen N/A N/A HOUSE (1018): 873+20 RST Stalls Foyer *@ Ann D1 / O D1 / D1 Stalls (506): 470 interspersed with the actors' dialogue and Performance Report Stalls 1 Fiona F O / D1 D3 / O Circle (224): 211 Stalls 2 Dennis D3 / D3 O / D3 Upper (278): 211 is delivered via radio headsets. Performance Report Stalls 3 Nicola D4 / D4 O / D4 Standing (10): Stalls 4 Sue N O / D6 D4 / O Date: Friday 24th April 2015 House: 876+22 Stalls Roaming* Emma H D6 / O D6 / D6 Touch Tours allow visually impaired Date: Friday 24th April 2015 House: 876+22 Circle Bridge (Prog) Naomi CB / D1 D1 / CB WHEELCHAIR SPACES

Performance: Death of a Salesman Audio-­‐described performance Circle 1 (Ice) Adam D1 / CB CB / D1 Stalls: H34/6 H48/50 guests to get close to the set, costumes Circle 2 (Ice) Alan D6 / CF CF / D6 Circle: None Expected

Performance: Death of a Salesman Audio-­‐described performance Circle Fountain * Susan CF / D6 D6 / CF and props used in the play. During a tour, Duty Manager: Alistair Goddon Upper Circle Bridge (Prog) Claire-­‐Louise UCB / D1 D1 / UCB DM Seats: H18 – H22 Upper rcle Ci 1 (Ice) Fiona -­‐ T U D1 / UCB UCB / D1

FRONT Duty Manager: Alistair Goddon Upper Circle 2 Daniel UCL / D2 UCL / D2 Access Matters out on Cloakroom the audio describer will guide you through During the incoming a couple alerted us to the fact that they the had been given seats in Upper Circle 3* Linda D2 / UCL D2 / UCL Latecomer screens volume Riverside Carol Breaks important props and character costumes During upper circle the as incoming a a couple gift, but alerted didn’t us to like the heights. fact that We managed they the had been given seats in to exchange their tickets for Bancroft (Ice) Margaret Breaks upper some in circle the as . stalls a We gift, also but moved didn’t a heavily like heights. pregnant We lady managed that had purchased a high to exchange their tickets for Colonnade Anton Breaks used in the production. some seat before in the she . stalls had We also fallen pregnant. moved a heavily pregnant lady that had purchased a high Groups Stalls Lark Rise x 15 Door 1

seat before she had fallen pregnant. *Does pre/post-­‐show checks and radios on completion. For more information about Access th A 100 show visitor was delighted his with free drink and programme this evening. He @ If no Bancroft Stalls Foyer helps Circle 1 do ice creams th (Circle 1 to collect float and checks and then cashes up after. Stalls Foyer helps during the rush provision at the RSC please visit exclaimed A 100 show that visitor he was better delighted see his with free another drink hundred and so programme he could get the same again. this evening. He and then goes back to Door 1 ready for Part 2) exclaimed that he better see another hundred so he could get the same again. www.rsc.org.uk/access A lady arrived a couple of minutes late for the start of the show. She was so upset she Riverside Bancroft Colonnade OF HOUSE Pre Show Door 6 Stalls Centre stalls – Assist Door 1 Stalls burst into tears. We attempted to cheer her up and by the interval she was looking fine A lady arrived a couple of minutes late for the start of the show. She was so upset she with seating st again burst (we into added tears. a We note attempted on her to cheer her up profile and by for the interval the she DM was to looking check in with her on next visit). fine 1 . As show starts 15 Mins Help with L/C Stalls 1 Latecomers Latecomers Latecomers again (we added a note on her profile for the DM to check in with her on next visit). 2nd Straight after L/C Stalls 4 UC2 15 mins Alistair joined the RSC in January 2012. 3rd After Changeover Stalls Roaming Circle 1 Stalls Foyer During the interval we received reports of a rather inebriated gentleman who was th 4 After Changeover UC 3 Prepare ices Circle 2 Among his favourite shows are During talking loudly the interval during we the first received half. We urged reports him to of keep a rather his voice inebriated down for the gentleman who was Interval Guard Door 5 vom Sell Ice creams Guard door 2 vom Latecomers Latecomers Latecomers talking remainder loudly of the during play. the first half. We urged him to keep his voice down for the 5th Before Changeover UC1 Cash Up / Stalls3 Stalls 2 at The Courtyard Theatre, 6th After Changeover UC Bridge 15 mins Cloaks remainder of the play. th 7 After Changeover Circle Fountain Cover Swan, if finished Circle Bridge which was a performance adapted for an End Guard door 5 vom Assist Cloakroom Guard door 2 vom As part of the Production Cycle series, audience of children with autism. 'It was we catch up with Alistair Goddon, one of incredibly moving and made me feel very proud to work for an organisation that our Front of House Managers, who is produces work in this way.' Duty Manager for an Audio Described 'Another was , also at The Courtyard Theatre, which matinee in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The FOH Assistants work in pairs. And at the end of the show, please let us transposed Shakespeare's vivacious During half of the first act, one will be know what you thought. We are all proud comedy to an Indian setting. To add to

Photo by Jo Bowker in the auditorium for audience care, to work at the RSC and are always keen the audience experience, the foyer areas health and safety and evacuation to talk to our audiences. We will pass all were decorated and sound effects were purposes and the other will be in the comments – good or bad - to the relevant played to add to vibrant and colourful I arrive at work at 10am and catch up on my administrative tasks – I then create the briefing for the performance. public areas of the building. departments. production design.' checking emails and reading any handover notes from last night’s The remaining FOH Assistants arrive at 12.15pm and we During a performance the RSC campus is performance. We all work shifts as Duty Managers, so communication give a verbal briefing. These detail the staff positions and open as normal – so the Front of House is vital. We have joint email inboxes, joint calendars, noticeboards overall audience numbers. We ensure we have adequate staff will be answering questions and and, where possible, will also verbally brief our colleagues. stocks of braille cast lists and check the radio headsets giving directions before their turn in the required for the Audio Description. We talk through any Then I start the preparation for the performance. For an Audio auditorium. They will also help any updates to the show and any marketing information. Described performance there is also a Touch Tour pre-show. customers who have to leave the So a few days before the performance I will check ticket sales, Our jobs have changed dramatically with the introduction auditorium, and ensure their safe return, see who has booked and if they have been to an Audio Described of technology! Our IT staff have coded iPads to link to our if and when appropriate. performance or Touch Tour before. If they are newcomers, I can live ticketing system, Tessitura. We can see customer During the performance the Duty Manager brief them when they arrive about what to expect and how the information at a glance: wheelchair seats that need will address any issues from audience technology works. reconfiguring; are we expecting guide dogs (so we can ingress, log any Customer Service Issues make cloakroom staff aware); are any audience members Sometimes there will be a function for our Press or Development for follow up from ourselves or other celebrating 100 performances, or any VIPs or sponsors to Departments, so it is good to check the rooms have been set up departments. We also take this time to greet? It also gives us the ability to reseat anyone if the correctly and to see who has been invited. spot-check the FOH Assistants on their situation arises. One Front of House (FOH) Assistant arrives at 10.45am for the evacuation knowledge. Touch Tour briefing. Before the tour they check access to the stage is We check the auditorium is clean and tidy and the lights We try to greet as many of our visitors in clear, while I check that the Stage Manager is ready for the tour to are on. When the Stage Manager confirms their checks person, as possible at each performance start. During the tour the FOH Assistant is available for any health are all complete, we open the doors and the audience can - please come and say hello. Should you and safety matters and the audio describer leads the Touch Tour. enter the theatre. have any issues on the day, or any A 15 minute discussion about the style of the show is followed by At the published start time, when the audience are all concerns, please let us know. We can time on stage to see significant props and costumes and, when seated, I contact the Stage Manager and give clearance often help or can answer your questions.

possible, to meet the actors. for the performance to start. Photo by Jo Bowker CASTING UPDATE, WINTER 2015-16 FAMILY EVENTS IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE SWAN THEATRE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY AUTUMN HALF TERM 24 – 30 OCTOBER 2015 We have a regular programme of activities for our family audiences throughout the year. AN EXHILARATING NEW VERSION BY MARINA CARR During Warwickshire school holidays we offer an enhanced programme of events for all ages. 17 SEPTEMBER – 17 OCTOBER Derbhle Crotty returns to the RSC to play Hecuba, having LOST IN NEVERLAND TRAIL SECRETS FROM THE RSC ARCHIVE SPEAKING SHAKESPEARE previously played Lady Macbeth and Lady Duncan in the UPPER CIRCLE BAR CLORE LEARNING CENTRE SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER – FOR AGES BY ELLA HICKSON ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL BY JM BARRIE 2007 Swan Theatre repertory season of Macbeth and SUNDAY 10 JANUARY 2016 MONDAY 26 AND THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY FOR ALL 8+ Ionesco's Macbett. Also returning is RSC Associate Artist Ray The Lost Boys and Tink have WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2 – 3PM 17 November 2015 – 31 January 2016 been playing all around the AGES 2 – 4PM A fun and lively session that FREE CHRISTMAS CRAFT WORSKHOPS Fearon (Mark Antony in 2012) as Agamemnon. building and have lost some Explore a selection of FOR ALL will have you quoting Shakespeare like ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE of their toys and friends. rarely displayed props, AGES a pr ofessional. Help decorate the Christmas Reprising their 2013 roles, Fiona Button (Wendy), tree in the Colonnade. Pick up a free self-guide trail to costumes and accessories £3.50 ADULTS, £2.50 CHILDREN Charlotte Mills (Tink) and Arthur Kyeyune (Crocodile) discover magical fairies and lost from the RSC Collection. SATURDAYS 11AM – 12.30PM are joined by Rhys Rusbatch who makes his RSC debut property. FREE VOICE SKILLS WORKSHOP 28 NOVEMBER as Peter Pan. Darrell D’Silva (, CLORE LEARNING CENTRE 5 AND 12 DECEMBER Julius Caesar and King Lear 2009-11) returns to the AGINCOURT DAY (HOORAY FOR HENRY!) HALLOWEEN BISCUIT DECORATING FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER FOR AGES SUNDAYS 2 – 4PM SCOTT FOYER Company to play Hook. ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE 10AM – 4.30PM 14-18 29 NOVEMBER SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER – ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE Improve your performance 6 AND 13 DECEMBER Derbhle Crotty Ray Fearon THE 600TH ANNIVERSARY FOR ALL MONDAY 26, WEDNESDAY 28 skills and learn more about OF THE BATTLE OF AGES AND FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER how RSC Actors prepare, AGINCOURT, FROM 10.30AM 3 – 4PM rehearse and perform. FAMILY WORKSHOPS A day of Henry V themed activities. Drop in and decorate a This practical workshop will CLORE LEARNING CENTRE Onstage demonstrations, backstage Halloween themed biscuit FOR ALL help you explore how to use SATURDAYS, 10 – 11.30AM secrets, workshops, costumes from with guidance from the AGES your voice and give you exercises and This practical workshop will have you previous productions, stage fight and Rooftop Restaurant Chef. activities to take away. on your feet working as an actor. costume change demonstrations and a £2.50 PER BISCUIT OR £25 (LUNCH NOT INCLUDED) No previous experience or knowledge of WILLIAM CONGREVE chance to design your own sword and £4 PER BISCUIT AND LARGE This session is for children only the play required. HOT DRINK AT THE RIVERSIDE CAFE Fiona Button Simon Carroll-Jones Sam Clemmett James Corrigan 28 OCTOBER 2015 – 22 JANUARY 2016 shield to become one of Henry V’s 3 AND 24 OCTOBER knights. WRITING WORKSHOP HENRY V Hermione Gulliford and Nicholas le Prevost return to the THE STORY GARDEN WITH ELLA HICKSON FOR AGES 5 DECEMBER AND RSC to play Mrs Foresight and Sir Sampson Legend in PLAY IN A DAY CLORE LEARNING CENTRE CLORE LEARNING CENTRE 10-18 16 JANUARY 2016 CLORE LEARNING CENTRE 11AM – 12 NOON FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER WENDY & PETER PAN this glorious Restoration comedy. Justine Mitchell and Create a short version of Become an actor and use your voice 20 FEBRUARY 2016 and body to tell a story with our 11AM – 1PM Tom Turner play the young lovers. Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Join Wendy & Peter Pan writer Ella Hickson A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM FOR AGES storyteller leading the way. Night’s Dream with help and discover the secrets of adapting £5 ADULTS, £3.50 CHILDREN from an RSC expert. 8-18 TUESDAY 27 OCTOBER stories for a modern audience. Learn FOR AGES MONDAY 26 OCTOBER HENRY V how to structure a basic story, and Darrell D’Silva Adam Gillen Susan Hingley Jack Horner - 10AM – 4.30PM write some new dialogue for a well WENDY & PETER PAN FAMILY DAY WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER 4-8 ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE suitable for those aged 8-10 years known children’s character. WENDY & PETER PAN SATURDAY 9 JANUARY 2016 TUESDAY 27 OCTOBER £3.50 ADULTS, £2.50 CHILDREN £5 This session is for children only 10.15 – 11.15AM 10AM – 4.30PM Join members of the suitable for those aged 11-14 years FREE DROP IN CRAFT ACTIVITY Wendy & Peter Pan Company WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER and Creative Team to Hermione Gulliford Nicholas Le Prevost Justine Mitchell Tom Turner UPPER CIRCLE BAR PAPER CUTTING WORKSHOP 10AM – 4.30PM CLORE LEARNING CENTRE explore the theatre making TUESDAY 27 AND FOR THE suitable for those aged 15-18 years UNDER FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER process, includes an WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER opportunity to take part. £25 2 – 4PM 10s 2 – 5PM Rebecca Johnson Paul Kemp Arthur Kyeyune Jordan Metcalfe These sessions are for children only Learn a range of East Asian £5 PER ADULT, £3.50 PER CHILD skills and techniques from FOR AGES FAMILY WORKSHOPS STAGE FIGHTING WORKSHOP-SWORDS expert Rachel Marsden MAKE-BELIEVE: THE ART OF NEVERLAND CLORE LEARNING CENTRE and create your own paper 12+ CLORE LEARNING CENTRE FOR AGES PACCAR ROOM, LEVEL 2, HELEN EDMUNDSON THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER cutting picture inspired ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE Be creative as a family, by our Neverland exhibition working as actors, on your 8+ 11AM – 1PM AND FOR AGES 3 OCTOBER 2015 – 19 NOVEMBER 2015 – 23 JANUARY 2016 in the PACCAR Room. feet! No previous experience 2 – 4PM 10+ £5 21 FEBRUARY 2016 required. How to cross swords safely Explore the world of Jodhi May and Natascha McElhone make their RSC debuts TUESDAY 27 OCTOBER, 2 – 3.30PM and make swashbuckling look real. Wendy & Peter Pan through as Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill in Helen Edmundson’s HENRY V £5 ADULTS, £4 CHILDREN WRITE ON! YOUNG WRITERS’ GROUP the eyes of artists and illustrators Douggie McMeekin Charlotte Mills Mimi Ndiweni Dodger Phillips new play, which explores the little known story of a WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER, 2 – 3.30PM CLORE LEARNING CENTRE including Paula Rego, Tom Gallant WENDY & PETER PAN SATURDAYS, SEPTEMBER TO JUNE and Béatrice Coron, as well as original monarch caught between friendship and duty. SPELL FEST costume and stage designs for the £5 ADULTS, £3.50 CHILDREN CLORE LEARNING CENTRE 10.30AM – 12.30PM FOR AGES Develop your creative magical RSC family show. THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER FREE OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM writing skills and learn FOR AGES BLOOD GUTS AND GORE 11AM – 12 NOON 8+ through working , Spooky Halloween fun with UPPER CIRCLE BAR FOR ALL collaboratively and 12-16 SPRING HALF TERM MONDAY 26 AND Shakespeare’s spells as told by the individually. THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER AGES Witches from Macbeth. £54 FOR 10 SESSIONS 15 – 19 FEBRUARY 2016 £3.50 ADULTS, £2.50 CHILDREN These sessions are for children only A Midsummer's Night's Dream themed 11AM – 12 NOON events for the whole family. Laura Prior Rhys Rusbatch Harry Waller Facepainting theatre-style: bruises, cuts and scars! Jodhi May Natascha McElhone £3.50 ADULTS, £2.50 CHILDREN The RSC Ensemble is generously supported by THE GATSBY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION and THE KOVNER FOUNDATION Hecuba and Queen Anne are presented with the generous support of All sessions are for children with their parents/carers, unless otherwise stated | www.rsc.org.uk/families | 01789 403493 The RSC Literary Department is generously supported by THE DRUE HEINZ TRUST RSC Board Member Miranda Curtis MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS’ LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST DIRECT DEBIT COMPETITION AND WON AVAILABLE ON DVD Pay your subscription by Direct Debit and you could win one of five VIP trips to the RSC's Rooftop Restaurant on Thursday 12 November 2015. Last Winter’s RSC All Members and Supporters renewing their subscription by Direct Debit, or productions of choosing to set up a Direct Debit with a Membership valid until 7 October Love’s Labour’s Lost 2015, will be automatically entered into the draw. and Love’s Labour’s The prize is for two people and includes: Won (aka Much Ado About Nothing), ■ a cocktail making masterclass on arrival directed by ■ a multi-course tasting menu selected by RSC Executive Chef Will Leigh Christopher Luscombe, with wine chosen to complement each course are now available to ■ an opportunity to meet members of the RSC Catering Team buy on DVD and Blu Ray. The titles are available ■ an overnight stay at the Arden Hotel, directly opposite the Swan Theatre separately or as a special edition box set and Terms and conditions are available at www.rsc.org.uk/membership feature a commentary by Christopher and Assistant Director Guy Unsworth. These are the latest of our Live from Stratford-upon-Avon broadcasts to be released on DVD, joining Richard II, Henry IV Parts I & II and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Watch this space for news of future releases and build your collection of Shakespeare on DVD. Photo by Danny Evans Photo by Gina Print

MEMBERS’ TICKET HOTLINE

You will notice a new Ticket Hotline on the cover of your newsletter. We have changed all Box Office numbers to the 01789 dialling code – Stratford-upon-Avon – following feedback from Members and audiences. We are proud that our productions are Made In Stratford-upon-Avon and these new numbers reflect that. All old Ticket Hotline numbers are still valid. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Photo by Emma Trimble REPORTING WAR: WHY DIRECT DEBIT? Easier for you – if you pay your subscription by Direct Debit it will WHOSE TRUTH IS TOLD automatically renew each year – so you will never miss out on a mailing or a SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER, 10.15 – 11.30AM Priority Booking period. SWAN THEATRE, £8 Better for the RSC – there is less administration once you have set up a To accompany our new production of Hecuba, Direct Debit – so more of your money goes directly towards the work on stage. director Erica Whyman is joined by BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner, Dr Fiona Macintosh, HOW DO I SET UP A DIRECT DEBIT? Director of the Archive of Performances of Greek When your Membership is due for renewal, simply login to My RSC, click the and Roman Drama at the University of Oxford, and Membership tab and follow the instructions to renew by Direct Debit. Writer Marina Carr to discuss how elusive the truth Alternatively you can complete the form on your renewal letter, or call us on can become during​ times of conflict. 01789 403440 (Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm) and we will do the rest. To book call your Ticket Hotline.