The Two Gentlemen of Verona and family activities at the RSC

The cast of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Photo (c) RSC.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare. Directed by Joanna Bowman at The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon from 4 – 31 August.

Preview

This summer holidays, The Two Gentlemen of Verona comes to life in an accessible, 80-minute production at the intimate venue of The Other Place. Featuring a talented cast of actor-musicians and a charming furry companion, the show brings a fresh and heartwarming take on the ultimate love triangle.

Director Joanna Bowman said: “The Two Gentlemen of Verona is an exuberant celebration of the joys, discoveries and contradictions of youth. Two Gents has it all: a love triangle, gender disguise, a forest outside the city walls where love can be declared and wrongs settled, and a band of outlaws.

 “I am thrilled by the cast we have discovered for this production. Perhaps Shakespeare’s first comedy, Two Gents fizzes with vitality and ambition, exploding off the page and onto the stage. Finding a company of actors to match the energy of the play has been a pleasure – a number of the company are making RSC and professional debuts, capturing a sense of the ecstasies and delights of youth that lies at the heart of the play. The four lovers are ridiculously talented young actors at the start of their professional lives, much like the characters in the play. Coupled with an ensemble cast of brilliantly talented actor-musos, featuring some fiercely funny servants and, of course, Crab the dog (the only dog in Shakespeare!), I cannot wait to get into the text.

“To make my RSC debut with this production, a little-known play that contains so many of the innovations that will go onto define his best-known works, is tremendously exciting. I am so looking forward to sharing it with audiences.”

The full cast comprises of Tom Babbage (Speed/Thurio/Outlaw), Darrell Brockis (The Duke/Outlaw), Fred Double (Outlaw), Aisha Goodman (Julia), Jonny Khan (Valentine), Stuart McLoughlin (Launce/Eglamour/Outlaw), Siân Stephens (Sylvia), Katherine Toy (Antonia/Lucetta/Host/Outlaw) and Lance West (Proteus).

Valentine and Proteus are best friends. That is, until they meet Silvia, and their lifelong friendship is put in serious jeopardy. Can they all find their happily-ever-after?

A love triangle, a forest, disguises, and a dog – The Two Gentlemen of Verona has it all. Shakespeare’s gloriously silly story of love, friendship and growing up bursts on to the stage of The Other Place in a new 80-minute edit that’s the perfect introduction to Shakespeare for families.

The creative team includes Set and Co-Costume Designer, Francis O’Connor; Lighting Designer, Derek Anderson; Composer John Patrick Elliott; Sound Designer, Khalil Madovi; Movement Director, Jennifer Jackson; Casting Director, Matthew Dewsbury CDG and Dramaturg, Zoe Cooper.

Crab makes his debut at the RSC. Photo (c) RSC.

If you prefer participating over spectating, the RSC offer numerous engaging opportunities, including their diverse summer schools designed for ages 8 to 88. Additionally, join them on 6 August to celebrate National Playday with a variety of free family activities inspired by the enchanting world of Shakespeare's Imagined Italy.

Outdoor Storytelling: (10.30am – 11.30am, 12pm – 1pm, 2.30 – 3.30pm)

Sensory Stay and Play: (11am – 3pm in the Welcome Space)

Hidden Stories of The Play's the Thing : (12.15 – 1.15pm, 2.30 – 3.30pm, 4 - 5pm) 

Complementing Timon of Athens, and sponsored by the Swan's Nest Hotel, the RSC is offering a series of interactive exhibits and trails over the coming months.

Colonnade Installation: From May to September, Lisa Curtis transforms the space between the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST) and the Swan Theatre into a vibrant celebration of Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona’s forest.

Sculptural Garden Trail: Beginning mid-July, this outdoor trail invites families to discover the themes of love, friendship, and risk-taking inspired by The Two Gentlemen of Verona through 7 interactive stations.

The Play’s The Thing Exhibition: Reopened in April, this award-winning exhibition provides a fascinating glimpse into the RSC’s rich history, now featuring a new film documenting the creation of King Lear in collaboration with Internationally Displaced People (IDP) Uzhik.

For tickets: Box Office: 01789 331111 or for more details, visit: www.rsc.org.uk