There’ll be a warm welcome for Northern Broadsides when they return to The Dukes later this month with their well-timed version of The Winter’s Tale.
Among the cast of this updated version of the Shakespeare play, which runs from 10th – 14th November, will be two faces familiar to Dukes audiences.
Russell Richardson, who recently appeared as Fagin in the Dukes outdoor version of Oliver Twist this summer, and Adam Barlow, who was Prince Charming in last year’s Christmas production of Cinderella, both feature in the large ensemble cast led by Conrad Nelson.
Conrad not only directs the production but also plays Leontes in his first stage role since his acclaimed performance as Iago opposite Lenny Henry in Othello in 2009.
The Yorkshire theatre company’s production of The Winter’s Tale begins on New Year’s Eve in 1999 as the Millennium bells ring out with hope for the new century. But a lower, ominous note underscores these festivities and the characters are quickly plunged into darkness.
Seized by sudden irrational jealousy, King Leontes falsely accuses his pregnant Queen of infidelity with his closest friend who flees without answering the accusation. Leontes then proclaims his newborn daughter a bastard and condemns the innocent to death. But the child, Perdita, survives.
What follows is a beautiful and beguiling love story staged by Northern Broadsides for the first time in their 23-year history.
Northern Broadsides are a unique theatre company with a true Northern voice. Their large ensemble casts of multi-talented and charismatic Northern actors all perform in their natural voices.
Find out more about the company and this play at a post show talk-back with the cast on 10th November, free to ticketholders.
• Tickets for The Winter’s Tale are priced at £9-£18.50. Concessions receive £2 off. For more information and to book, call The Dukes box office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org