When Two Worlds Collide - The Winter's Tale
- Heidi Barber.
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare, directed by Yaël Farber, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. Running until Saturday 30 August 2025.
Review by Heidi Barber
Although this play was initially grouped among the comedies, many of the modern interpretations portray it as a late romance. It also contains the most famous Shakespearean stage direction of all: Exit, pursued by a bear.
In the opening scenes we are introduced to Leontes, King of Sicilia (Bertie Carvel) and his good friend Polixenes, King of Bohemia (John Light). As with many Shakespearean plays, it is only a matter of time before there is a major altercation between the two men when Leontes becomes convinced that Polixenes has been having an affair with his pregnant wife, Hermione (Madeline Appiah). His jealousy leads to a trail of destruction including the banishment of Polixenes and the imprisonment of his wife.
Yet more devastation follows Leontes’ blind rage, including the untimely death of his son, the extradition of his newborn daughter and the suspected death of his wife, Hermione.
Fortunately for Perdita (Leah Haile), the daughter of Leontes and Hermione, she is rescued and raised by a shepherdess in Bohemia and goes on to meet and fall in love with Prince Florizel (Lewis Bowes): the son of Polixenes.
Sixteen years later, the remorseful Leontes is reunited with both his estranged daughter, and a statue of Hermione, which miraculously comes to life.
The simple but effective set designs convincingly create the two contrasting worlds of Sicilia and Bohemia with both worlds illuminated by a large continuously changing central moon.
Impressive and commanding performances came from the entire cast with Bertie Carvel as Leontes, undergoing astonishing mood changes: from a fondly loving husband into a monstrous tyrant. Madeline Appiah as Hermione gave a heart wrenching portrayal of grief and loss during her imprisonment whilst the comedic element of the play was skillfully presented through the roguish charms of Autolycus (Trevor Fox).
Directed by award winning director, Yaël Farber, this production of The Winter’s Tale is brought vividly to life and shows that, even in times of darkness and uncertainty, hope can endure.
For tickets https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-winters-tale
