Europe and UK's most-established openair Shakespeare touring theatre company.

We are currently preparing

for a magnificent season in nine countries.

An opportunity to see this rarely produced wonderful play.

A wicked stepmother, the queen of King Cymbeline whose sons have long ago been abducted and whose daughter, Imogen, has secretly married Posthumous, a man he disapproves of; a Roman tricking his way into Imogen's bedroom to win an improper bet; plots to kill Imogen; a brutish Roman army on the threshold; visionary dreams and voices from Heaven, all these make an exciting story whose happy outcome brings many joyous surprises.

Written in the magical Celtic tradition, this action-packed romantic comedy thrills and draws us into the lives of ancient Britons and Romans and the legends surrounding them. Rarely performed because seldom understood, this production is informed by research which lightens and clarifies this wonderful play thus giving audiences the opportunity to enjoy this rich gem of Shakespeare's late career.

Please check the 2009 Tour Dates and look out for our new refurbished website coming soon.

Online booking at www.thebookingshop.com from November 2009

other booking from April 2009

 

What the papers said.....

The energetic cast excel with their unanimously enthusiastic performances... This was Shakespeare in its purest form, yet cleverly made accessible to a modern audience. (The Stage, 2007)

All the characters were well defined, even though each member of the cast had several roles to play.
(Isle of Wight County Press, 2007)

A top quality evening out (blog from Lonan3, Isle of Man, 2007)

Artistic consistency over the years... Top-drawer Shakespeare. (The Echo, Loughborough, 2007)

Theatre Set-Up gave a captivating interpretation at Castle Doowerth.
(De Gelderlander, The Netherlands, 2007)

Resourceful approach to the plays uncovers mysteries of construction and meaning, while always offering audiences robust and accessible versions, lavishly costumed...Strong well projected performances …Bravo! (John Thaxter - The Stage 2006)

See the photographs from The Royal Opera House in 2006

l OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE, using natural backdrops of historic and beautiful sites, PERFORMANCES CONTINUING REGARDLESS OF WEATHER. The most enjoyable summer open-air theatre.

l SHAKESPEARE IN THEATRES OF ALL SIZES AND ARTS CENTRES with a minimalist set which can be transported in a small case.

l SHAKESPEARE IN FESTIVALS. Their 1997 production of TWELFTH NIGHT representing the U.K. in the International Theatre Festival MES-Sarajevo '97.

l The company, based in North London, has been established in a regular circuit of venues in the U.K. since 1976 and in mainland Europe since 1993.

l They have the ability to transport all costumes and properties in cases, which can travel as overweight luggage with the eight company members on aeroplanes to venues not readily accessible by road. Otherwise they tour the production in a minibus and car.

l THE ESOTERIC IN SHAKESPEARE: The plays are produced in the light of their secret meanings, researched at the Shakespeare Institute of The University of Birmingham, by Dr. Wendy Macphee in her degree of Doctor of Philosophy. This material is made available to audiences through the plays' programme notes and clarifies any obscurities in the text for the actors in the preparation of their roles.

l The plays are directed and designed from the internal evidence of the text and are thus free of gimmickry. The productions have a 30-year old reputation for being clear, light, easy-to-understand and accessible to a wide range of people of all age groups, including those whose first language is not English.

l The company is a registered charity, all its administration and many of its functions being done charitably by its directors. The financial arrangements, depending on the venues' natures and locations, are negotiated by the directors. The company has an integrated casting policy.