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. Barrie Rutter directs a charismatic cast of 17 multi-talented northern actors who will literally fill the stage in this fast-paced battle of the sexes. In true Broadsides' style there'll be rousing song and dance, scintillating performances, jaw-dropping comic timing and hilarious ?steal-the-show' scenes.

Cast/Performers

Hester Arden, Emily Aston, Kelsey Brookfield, Matt Connor, Andy Cryer, Sophie Hatfield, Adam Fogerty, Fine Time Fontayne, Rebecca Hutchinson, Catherine Kinsella, Andrew Vincent, Joss Vantyler, Roy North, Barrie Rutter, Lenny Henry (May 5 Mat / Eve)

Creatives/Company

Author: Shakespeare
Company: Northern Broadsides (in partnership with the New Vic Theatre Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Director: Barrie Rutter
Design: Jessica Worrall
Lighting: David Philips
Musical Director: Conrad Nelson