| CAMBRIDGE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2008 |
| ABOUT THE FESTIVAL - PROGRAMME - TICKETS - VENUES - CONTACT & INFO |
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The Taming of the Shrew
"I see a woman may be made a fool, Opening in the elegant purpose-built garden theatre of Robinson College before transferring to the stunning gardens of Trinity, this riotous and scorching Renaissance battle of the sexes tells the tale of a most unlikely love affair between two remarkable individuals. The world-weary Petruchio means to marry well, and sets his sights on the unruly Kate. Their turbulent courtship leads to the most unlikely conclusion. Don't leave Cambridge without seeing this hilarious production..
"...great originality and enthusiasm...superbly choreographed routines had the audience rolling on the grass." |
Richard III
"Was ever woman in this humour woo'd? Was ever woman in this humour won? I'll have her; but I will not keep her long." The commanding and magnificent setting of Downing College Gardens provides the backdrop for this dynamic and energetic production in lavish period costume. Soon after Edward IV is crowned King, his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, starts scheming for the throne of England. He woos and wins Lady Anne and then poisons Edward's mind against their brother, Clarence, later organising his death. But even after his coronation, Richard continues with his villainous campaign to secure his position as King. Shakespeare's study of malevolence and tyranny explores one man's ability to betray and manipulate those around him, leading to a dramatic and bloody conclusion.
"no knee-bending to trendy revisionism… but rather a tour de force of Elizabethan drama".
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As You Like It "..can one desire too much of a good thing?" Situated in the idyllic and breathtaking gardens of St.John's College before transferring to the purpose-built garden theatre of Robinson College, this period production brings out all the wit and charm of Shakespeare's endearing comedy. Banished unfairly from the court, both Rosalind and Orlando seek refuge in the forest of Arden. Through encounters with a motley crew of characters and a plot of disguise comedy they are finally reunited for the happiest of endings. Don't miss this beautiful and hilarious pastoral romance.
"breathtaking energy and talent… the CSF keep the comedy spinning like a top.."
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A Midsummer Night's Dream "I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was" Shakespeare's pastoral romance of fairytale enchantment, human folly, and the gossamer veil between fantasy and reality is cleverly spun by this dynamic cast in the beautiful gardens of Girton College. Don't leave Cambridge without seeing this sparkling production.
"a tour de force ... as hilarious as anything you would see at the RSC"
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The Comedy of Errors
"How many fond fools serve mad jealousy" The purpose-built garden theatre of Robinson College provides the ideal setting for Shakespeare's fast-paced comedy of mistaken identity. Antipholus and his companion, Dromio, find themselves on an unknown island, where their twins, who they believed were lost at sea many years earlier, now live. Don't miss this dynamic and explosive production!
" a sparkling production… should not be missed" |
Love's Labour's Lost
"Let us once lose our oaths to find ourselves, Berowne, Ferdinand and their companions have sworn to go without the company of women for three years; but they are sorely tried and eventually overcome by the arrival of the Princess of France and her ladies in waiting in Shakespeare's classic satirical comedy, set in the beautiful and elegant gardens of Fitzwilliam College. Through many twists and turns in the plot we are introduced to a motely of characters, including the hilarious Dull the constable and Costard the clown. Don't miss this dazzling production.
"...breathtaking and very enjoyable". (Oxford Times)
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The Winter's Tale
"Prithee bring me to the dead bodies of my Queen and son. The stunning gardens of King's College provides the ideal setting for Shakespeare's tale of irrational jealousy and tragedy, which gives way to a comedy of rebirth and renewal. Leontes, King of Sicilia, is driven mad thinking his wife, Hermione, has been unfaithful with Polixenes (Leontes childhood friend). Only the budding romance of their children, and a remarkable and magical twist in the tale, can bring them to their senses.
"...an enthralling and passionate performance ...an excellent production." |
Othello
"When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, Speak of me as I am… then must you speak Of one that loved not wisely but too well" Shakespeare's breathtaking study of jealousy, ambition and evil in its most pure and abstract form is presented in the imposing Woodlands Courtyard of Girton College. Seemingly impregnable in their all-consuming love for one another, Othello and Desdemona become the victims of the scheming Iago, whose masterful deceit and manipulation sends events spiralling downwards to a devastating climax.
"this was brilliant.. a brilliant performance from a cast that cannot be faulted."
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