Nottingham Shakespeare Company is to perform indoors for the first time, staging The Winter’s Tale at six venues in Nottinghamshire and Lincoln.
The company, which has no public funding or private investment, aims to present productions with minimal staging and costume that can be taken out of the traditional theatrical space.
Nottingham Shakespeare Company's artistic director Michelle-Louise Wright said, "we cast blind. We don’t have any fixed ideas. If a younger actor can rock Malvolio or a wheelchair user can ace Beatrice, then we’ll cast them. Our ensemble has featured brilliant actors, particularly from the disabled, LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities, and from all levels of experience. We thrive because of that diversity.”
Producer Rachel Pillsbury added, “we learned during the pandemic the importance of art and culture in a crisis. Our tickets will be available for anyone struggling. Alongside free Saturday matinées, there’ll be free ticket codes to food banks, warm hubs and community organisations. As many seats as possible will be pay what you can.”
The cast of The Winter’s Tale is Warren Saunders (Leontes), Kate-Lynn du Plessis (Hermione), David Watts (Polixenes), Michelle-Louise Wright (Paulina / the shepherd), Jonathan Mansfield (Camillo), Mark Townley (Antigonus / Autolycus), Kate Lewis (Perdita), Jay Giblin (Florizel), James Kaye (clown) and Alastair Fiori-McPhee (Time). Jen Watson directs. David Watts is stage and production manager, costume is by Kate Lewis and art by Ruby Lorcan.
The Winter’s Tale will be at St John’s Church, Carrington, Nottingham on Wednesday 25 January, St Stephen’s Church, Sneinton, Nottingham on Friday 27 January, Lincoln Cathedral on Saturday 28 January, St Giles’ Church, West Bridgford, Nottingham on Thursday 2 February, St Peter’s Church, Ruddington, Nottingham on Friday 3 February and Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire on Saturday 4 February.