Doctor Faustus is Christopher Marlowe's most renowned and controversial work. Famous for being the first dramatized version of the Faustus tale, the play depicts the sinister aftermath of Faustus's decision to sell his soul to the Devil's henchman in exchange for power and knowledge. In the first-ever staging of this menacing drama at the Globe Theatre, Matthew Dunster's production features Paul Hilton as the arrogant, power-hungry Faustus and Arthus Darvill as the sardonic Mephistopheles, and includes several impressive magical stunts along the way.
Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well centres on the tale of Helena's quest to marry the man she loves, the rather unimpressed Bertram, who initially refuses her due to her lack of social standing. Aided by fellow conspirator Diana, Helena devises a fail-safe scheme to ensnare her man. The production, directed by John Dove, stars Sam Crane and Ellie Piercey as Bertram and Helena, and includes performances by James Garnon as troublemaker Parolles and Janie Dee as Bertram's interfering mother, the Countess of Roussillon. With lavish staging and costume, the production is a triumph that, according to The Independent, "leaves the audience reeling with happiness by the end."
The first installment of what is widely acknowledged to be Shakespeare's greatest historical saga, Henry IV, Part I is an epic tale of power, treachery and war, exploring the complexity of father-son relationships. Featuring an Olivier award-winning performance from Roger Allam as Falstaff, the comical mentor to Jamie Parker's Prince Hal, this is a celebrated presentation of the English classic, expertly directed by Dominic Dromgoole.
Dominic Dromgoole's acclaimed Olivier award-winning production is brought to its conclusion in Part 2 of Shakespeare's historical masterpiece, Henry IV - a thrilling tale of family, treachery and war that surveys the entire panorama of English life. Staged with "terrific aplomb" (Daily Telegraph) and featuring a stellar line-up, this magnificent Globe Theatre performance showcases some of the Bard's deftest dramatic skill, and confirms why Henry IV is regarded as one of Shakespeare's finest works.
Henry VIII is one of Shakespeare's final plays, a political thriller based on the power struggle between the Tudor court and the eponymous king's ambitious first minister, Cardinal Wolsey. Though famous in its own time as the most extravagant of the playwright's creation, the work is hardly performed today; Mark Rosenblatt's spectacular 2010 production was the Globe Theatre's first staging of the historical drama since 1613 and, featuring stellar performances from Dominic Rowan, Miranda Raison and Anthony Howell, it bursts with intrigue.
When the King of Navarre and his three courtiers forswear all pleasure – particularly of the female variety – in favour of a life of study, the arrival of the Princess of France and her ladies plays havoc with their intentions. Using every kind of verbal gymnastics to poke fun, Shakespeare's most intellectual comedy is brought to hilarious life in Dominic Dromgoole's highly entertaining production, rich in visual humour and sexual innuendo. Jonathan Fensom's knot garden and original music by Claire van Kampen create the framework for an engaging performance by an excellent cast.
The only one of Shakespeare's plays to be set within his own class and country, The Merry Wives of Windsor is a farcical tale centering on the wily attempts of Sir John Falstaff to relieve his drinking debts through swindling and seduction. Featuring Christopher Benjamin in the title role, deftly supported by Serena Evans and Sarah Woodward as the scheming Mistress Page and Mistress Ford, this critically-acclaimed production was described by the Daily Telegraph as brimming with "humanity, ingenuity and irresistible charm". A performance guaranteed to entertain.
One of Shakespeare's most popular comedies, Much Ado About Nothing contrasts the happiness of lovers Claudio and Hereo, and the cynicism of sparring partners Beatrice and Benedick, who are united in their scorn for love. Trickery plays a large part in the story, as Beatrice and Benedick are duped into declaring their love for one another, and the dastardly Don John deceives Claudio into believing that Hero has been unfaithful. Marking the debut of director Jeremy Herrin at the Globe Theatre, this production features Eve Best as the feisty and high-spirited Beatrice and Charles Edwards as her cynical counterpart, Benedick.
Dominic Dromgoole's production brings refreshing clarity to one of Shakespeare's most famous and best-loved tragedies, drawing out the contemporary relevance of this passionate teenage love story. Ellie Kendrick, a truly youthful Juliet, and Adetomiwa Edun, a boyish Romeo, head an excellent cast whose period costumes point to the timelessness of parental disapproval, adolescent temperament, rivalry and violence. Filmed before a live audience at Shakespeare's Globe in the heart of London, its intimate and atmospheric setting adds immediacy and vitality to the humour and passion of Shakespeare's verse.
