Shakespeare – As You’ve Never Seen It Before
Two of the most well-known Shakespeare plays are set to be given a modern twist before taking to the stage in Wolverhampton this Summer.
Taking place in July at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night are both set in modern day, giving younger audiences the perfect opportunity to understand Shakespeare.
The modern interpretations of the plays are coming straight from seeing huge success at The Watermill Theatre earlier this year. The company have toured across the world to over 22 countries and to date have played to half-a-million people worldwide.
Artistic director Paul Hart’s is to create innovative work with an ensemble spirit, which breaks new boundaries. He aims to use music in these great plays to create something which is both thrilling and accessible.
Romeo and Juliet – Wednesday July 12 – 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Risking everything, a young couple defy their feuding families and find love on the streets of Verona.
Directed by The Watermill’s new Artistic Director Paul Hart, the production of Romeo And Juliet combines a thrilling contemporary feel with an ensemble of actor-musicians.
Featuring music by Mumford and Sons, The Vaccines, The Civil Wars, Hozier and new original music by Johnny Flynn, the aim of the production is to challenge the way live music is used alongside text and to investigate new responses to Shakespeare’s work.
Twelfth Night – Thursday 13 and Friday 14 July – 7.30pm
Often regarded as Shakespeare’s perfect play, Twelfth Night’s dreamlike fantasy world will be evocatively reimagined in the 1920s where prohibition is rife and Europe is still reeling in the wake of war. In a tale of mistaken identities, seduction and transformation, Viola disguises herself as Cesario to serve the solitary Duke Orsino. However, it soon becomes a complex love triangle.
It will feature music by Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. The company are set to bring together an extraordinary group of actors to reimagine this great play.
