Details

Self-denial is in fashion at the court of Navarre where the young king and three of his courtiers solemnly forswear all pleasures in favour of serious study. But when the Princess of France and her entourage arrive, it isn't long before the all-male ?academe' have broken every one of their self-imposed rules. Shakespeare's boisterous send-up of all those who try to turn their back on life is a dazzling parade of every weapon in the youthful playwright's arsenal, from excruciating cross-purposes and impersonations to drunkenness and bust-ups. It's a banquet of language, groaning with puns, rhymes and grotesque coinages.

Cast/Performers

Edward Bennett (Berowne), Sam Alexander (King of Navarre), John Arthur (Sir Nathaniel), William Belchambers (Longaville), Paige Carter (Maria), Rebecca Collingwood (Katharine), Lisa Dillon (Rosaline), Nick Harris (Butler), Nick Haverson (Costard), John Hodgkinson (Don Armado), Tunji Kasim (Dumaine), Emma Manton (Jaquenetta), Chris McCalphy (Dull), Peter McGovern (Moth), Chris Nayak (Footman 1), Jamie Newall (Boyet), Steven Pacey (Holofernes), Roderick Smith (Gatekeeper 2 / Marcade), Jamie Tyler (Footman), harry Waller (Gatekeeper 2 / Marcade), Anna Wheatley (Housemaid), Leah Whitaker (Princess of France)

Creatives/Company

Author: Shakespeare
Producer(s): Chichester Festival Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company
Director(s): Christopher Luscombe, Gabrielle Dawes (casting director), Helena Palmer (casting director)
Design: Simon Higlett
Lighting: Oliver Fenwick
Music: Nigel Hess
Sound: Jeremy Dunn
Choreographer: Jenny Arnold