Dreamlike, music-fuelled, and wickedly murderous. Multi-award-winning Emma Rice brings her theatrical sleight of hand to this spine-tingling folktale.

When the sinister magician Blue Beard woos his bride by sawing her in half on stage, little does she know it’s a sign of things to come. After their wedding, she stumbles upon a forbidden chamber filled with the bodies of his previous wives. Will she be his next ex? Or can she bring the curtain down on this serial husband?

Emma Rice’s wildly inventive reimagining of Charles Perrault's 1667 horror tale boldly celebrates female empowerment while blending disco music, sharp comedy, and tender truths. Prepare to be spellbound—and terrified.

Prepare to be spellbound by Emma Rice's fearless cabaret packed with magic, murder, and female empowerment.

Blue Beard

Bristol Old Vic's sold-out production of ''Touching the Void'' is a thrilling plunge into the depths of human resilience. 

Directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris (War Horse), this adaptation of Joe Simpson's bestselling memoir follows the harrowing true story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates' treacherous descent of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. Using groundbreaking filming techniques and a binaural soundscape, the production delivers an immersive experience, plunging viewers into the freezing heights of the Andes. As Simon battles the elements to save his injured climbing partner, Joe fights for survival in a crevasse, pushing the boundaries of human endurance. 

'Nail-biting, you feel as if you’ve been to the ends of the earth without moving from your seat. A stirring testament to human fortitude and the power of theatre.' - The Telegraph

From Bristol Old Vic, ''Touching the Void'' is a thrilling plunge into the depths of human resilience, directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris. 

Touching the Void

Step into the world of "Wonder Boy," a startling new play from writer Ross Willis that follows Sonny, a 12-year-old grappling with a speech impediment within a struggling school system.

Living with a stammer has left Sonny hiding in silence. His only friend is an imaginary comic book hero, Captain Chatter, who is always by Sonny's side. When Sonny unexpectedly lands a role in the school's production of Hamlet, he finds support from his teacher Wainwright, and his witty classmate Roshi. Together, they embark on an inspiring journey of self-discovery, unlocking Sonny's voice and strength.

Directed by Olivier Award-winner Sally Cookson (A Monster Calls), this groundbreaking production merges live creative captioning, British Sign Language performance, traditional theater, and live music for a fully inclusive experience. 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ''An audaciously inventive, sparky yet sensitive, giddily enjoyable new play that deserves to be packed to the rafters'' - The Guardian


Step into the world of "Wonder Boy," a startling new play from writer Ross Willis and Bristol Old Vic that follows Sonny, a 12-year-old grappling with a speech impediment. 

Wonder Boy

Get ready for a Hamlet like no other. Shakespeare's classic tragedy, starring Sir Ian McKellen, is reimagined as a psychological thriller set in modern times. 

McKellen, who first played the Danish prince fifty years ago, transcends the confines of the Theatre Royal Windsor stage under the direction of Sean Mathias. The venue has been inventively transformed into the iconic Elsinore Castle. Hamlet now has his own retirement room, complete with an exercise bike, while Claudius entertains Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in a lavish hospitality suite. After Hamlet kills Polonius in the foyer, he is confined to one of the toilets.

This cinematic production also features Steven Berkoff, Jonathan Hyde, and Francesca Annis. The performances not only introduce a wider audience to the power of Shakespeare but also elevate it to unprecedented heights.

Shakespeare’s revenge tragedy is reborn as a cerebral thriller set in the 21st century, with Sir Ian McKellen playing the tormented prince.

Hamlet

‘Must I remember?’

Hamlet’s father is dead. His mother has remarried. He is alone with his thoughts. Then, he speaks.

Haunted by grief, and with his world spinning violently out of control, Hamlet has to make some decisions: forget or remember; live or die.

Rising star Billy Howle (The Serpent, MotherFatherSon, On Chesil Beach) plays the title role, supported by a star-studded cast including Mirren Mack (The Nest; Sex Education; The Witcher: Blood Origin) as Ophelia and award-winning stage and screen actress Niamh Cusack as Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude.

Haunted by grief, and with his world spinning violently out of control, Hamlet has to make some decisions: forget or remember; live or die.

Go behind the curtain and into the hearts of the world's most iconic performers. In Back to the Beginning, we explore the untold stories of how legendary artists began their incredible careers, from their first steps on stage to becoming masters of their craft. 

In this exclusive first episode, Ian McKellen opens up about this journey, reflecting on how he first discovered his love for acting and his lifelong connection to Shakespeare. Filmed in his own home, Ian shares candid insights about his early career, the challenges he faced, and the evolution of his craft over the decades. He also delves into his latest performance of ''Hamlet''- available now on Marquee TV- offering viewers a glimpse of his approach to one of Shakespeare's most iconic roles. This intimate conversation is a must-watch for any lover of the arts.

Go back to the beginning with Ian McKellen as he reflects on how he first discovered his love for acting and his lifelong connection to Shakespeare. 

Back to the Beginning with Ian McKellen

This star-studded series of comedies and farces celebrates the life and work of renowned Russian playwright Anton Chekhov.

Chekhov has entered the pantheon of great writers since his death in 1904, yet his plays are still largely regarded as grim records of human suffering. Now, a group of acclaimed British comedians are out to prove he can be extremely funny.

These adaptations reveal a dramatist who finds great joy in the broad comedy of human nature. The one-act play "On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco," sees Steve Coogan portray Ivan Ivanovich Nyukhin, while MacKenzie Crook co-stars with Johnny Vegas in "A Reluctant Tragic Hero."

Some of Britain’s top comedians bring to life the humorous side of renowned Russian dramatist Anton Chekhov. 

Chekhov Comedy Shorts

In a sun-drenched African landscape, Shakespeare's timeless tale of power and betrayal gets a scorchingly modern update. A heartbreaking love story unfolds as director Gregory Doran's visually stunning take on ''Julius Caesar'' explores the rise of autocracy within a republic.

This film, based on the Royal Shakespeare Company's acclaimed stage production, gains fresh urgency in its new setting, drawing parallels with the fall of dictators during the continent’s more recent Arab Spring.

Featuring an all-black British cast, Doran's Caesar presents a deeply moving romance between two men, bound by an explosive act of political violence. Paterson Joseph offers a nuanced portrayal of Brutus, while Jeffery Kissoon takes on the role of Caesar, Cyril Nri plays Cassius, and Ray Fearon stars as Mark Antony.

Power, betrayal, and love collide in Africa in this reinvigorated Shakespearean classic.

Julius Caesar (2012)

In one of the most iconic monologues of Macbeth, found in Act 5, Scene 5, Macbeth receives the news of his wife's death under suspicious circumstances. In a moment of profound contemplation, the once mighty king is consumed by the cyclical nature of life and death.

Kneeling in despair, Macbeth reflects on the relentless march of time, lamenting, ''Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty pace.'' He compares life to a mere shadow, or actor,=, a fleeting presence on the stage, ''that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more.'' Macbeth grapples with the inevitability of death, realizing that life is ultimately meaningless, ''full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.''

Similar to Shakespeare's famous ''To be or not to be'' soliloquy, this scene offers a dramatic exploration of life and death, providing a glimpse into the depths of Macbeth's despair. With each line, the audience is drawn further into his tormented psyche. Shakespeare, ever the masterful storyteller, uses the metaphor of an actor on stage to underscore the fleeting nature of life, inviting the audience to contemplate the transience of their own existence.

In Polly Findlay's 2018 production with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Christopher Eccleston (Dr.Who, True Detective) expertly delivers Macbeth's famous soliloquy.  

Dr.Who's Chrisopher Eccleston delivers Macbeth's famous Act 5 soliloquy in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of Macbeth.

Macbeth: "Tomorrow and tomorrow..."

Russell T Davies' fresh and funny film based on William Shakespeare’s ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'' has more attitude and invention than anything that's gone before.

The acclaimed ''Doctor Who'' showrunner commemorates the fourth centenary of Shakespeare's death with this full-blooded adaptation, starring Maxine Peake as Titania, Matt Lucas as Bottom, and John Hannah as Theseus. 

In this modern retelling of The Bard’s classic fantasy drama, euphoric effects and melodramatic storytelling transport us to a tyrannical court in Athens and a wild wood where dark forces are stirring. This time, will the fairies grant happy endings to all who deserve them?

Will the course of true love still run smooth in Russell T Davies’ fresh adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream?

A Midsummer Night's Dream (2016)

From Nottingham Playhouse, witness Scrooge's transformation from a miserly recluse to a beacon of redemption in Mark Gatiss' clever retelling of Dickens' Christmas classic.

Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Dracula, Doctor Who) stars as Jacob Marley, the haunting specter of Scrooge's late business partner. Marley materializes, shackled by the weight of his past greed to implore Ebenezer Scrooge (Nicholas Farrell ) to amend his ways to avoid a similar dreadful fate - setting the stage for three spine-tingling spectral visits that challenge Scrooge's very soul. 

Filmed live at London's beautiful Alexandra Palace Theatre, this production blends theatrical whimsy with mesmerizing special effects completely transporting audiences to the chilling Victorian world of Dickens.

Mark Gatiss' clever retelling of Dickens' Christmas classic captured live at London's Alexandra Palace Theatre.

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story

In Act 4, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Othello, Othello confronts Desdemona, accusing her of infidelity. In a private conversation, he harshly berates her, calling her a ''whore'' and threatening to banish her. As Othello exits, Desdemona's maid, Emilia, tentatively shares her suspicions that Desdemona is being set up, but her concerns are swiftly dismissed by Iago. Desperate and confused, Desdemona turns to Iago for advice, unaware that he is the one behind the malicious rumors.

In this poignant monologue, Desdemona pleads with Iago, asking, ''What can I do to win my husband back?'' She passionately protests her innocence, insisting she has done nothing to betray Othello's trust. Dropping to her knees in a dramatic moment of prayer, she confesses that, despite his cruelty, she will always love him, declaring, ''his unkindness may kill me, But it will never ruin my love for him.'' Iago, feigning sympathy, attempts to comfort her.

This scene is charged with raw emotion and urgency, making it a popular choice for dramatic auditions. Shakespeare masterfully portrays Desdemona's virtuous and loving nature, eliciting the audience's sympathy and setting the stage for her tragic fate. Additionally, the scene exposes the true evil of Iago. While the audience knows he is the architect of Desdemona's suffering, they are forced to watch as he manipulates her, feigning support while plotting her downfall.

In Iqbal Khan’s 2015 production of Othello with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Joanna Vanderham expertly captures Desdemona's desperation in this heart-wrenching scene. 

Joanna Vanderham captures Desdemona's desperation in this heart-wrenching scene from Othello. 

Othello: "Alas Iagao, what shall I do..."

Pale Sister written by celebrated author Colm Tóibín for actress Lisa Dwan, Pale Sister reimagines Sophocles' Antigone from the point of view of her sister, Ismene.

Pale Sister written by celebrated author Colm Tóibín reimagines Sophocles' Antigone from the point of view of her sister, Ismene.

Pale Sister

Ever since the first recorded public performance of the play in February 1602, “Twelfth Night,” one of Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedies, rarely goes out of fashion.  A story of mistaken identity, gender swapping, and the perils of falling in love, the play’s universal themes are relatable the world over.

Viola and her twin brother, Sebastian, have been shipwrecked, each believing the other drowned.  Viola, disguising herself as a young man (Cesario) gets a job working for Duke Orsino, a powerful nobleman of Illyria.  Things get complicated when Orsino sends Viola (dressed as a boy) to woo Lady Olivia who, in turn, falls for Viola’s  “Cesario.”

In the meantime, Olivia’s butler, Malvolio, secretly in love with Olivia, becomes the butt of ridicule when he is fooled into dressing in yellow stockings and cross gartering at the behest of Olivia's maid Maria egged on by Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek to assist his chances in love. Sebastian returns, relationships flounder and chaos ensues but all’s well that ends well.

Evoking the decadence of Edwardian high society Christopher Luscombe’s (Rocky Horror Picture Show) inspired production conjures up the opulence of the era with evocative sets, costumes, and impressive performances.  Described by critics at the time as delivering, “rapturous speeches, splendid sets and some clever ideas” this production “lends the evening an air of Wildean gaiety.”
 
Standout performances include Adrian Edmondson (The Young Ones, Bottom, War and Peace) as Malvolio,  Dinita Gohil (Treason) as Viola, and Kara Tointon (Eastenders, Dream Team, Mr. Selfridge) as Olivia but, ultimately, everyone shines in this collaborative ensemble.

One of Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedies gets an Edwardian makeover in this visually striking production capturing the decadence of 1890s London.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

National Theatre of Scotland

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