King Lear divides his Kingdom between his daughters according to a declaration of their love for him. His eldest Goneril and Regan exaggerate their affection and inherit. His youngest daughter Cordelia speaks only the truth and is banished. So begins the tragedy of King Lear, whose dignity, sanity and finally life are torn from him by a self-seeking younger generation, ambitious for his power. What is love, what is madness, what is truth - Shakespeare explores these questions together with many others in King Lear, widely considered to be his greatest tragedy. A royal family gather for Christmas. The father broadcasts his seasonal message: he's giving up work and dividing his kingdom. With this misjudged act the natural order is upturned and the scene is set for a story of family break-up, homelessness and heartbreak. In this new edited version, King Lear is brought vibrantly to life for schools, families and younger audiences. Stripped down to 75 minutes, the production is a thrilling and accessible introduction to one of the greatest plays ever written. The RSC return to the Theatre Royal with this Young People's Shakespeare production following the success of YPS Hamlet in 2011.| 30 Nov 12 to 1 Dec 12 | Courtyard Theatre Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire Performance Details => Venue archive |
| 23 Nov 12 to 24 Nov 12 | Theatre Royal York, North Yorkshire Performance Details => Venue archive |
| 4 Oct 12 to 6 Oct 12 | Hull Truck Theatre Hull, Humberside Performance Details => Venue archive |
| 21 Sep 12 | Theatre Royal Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear Performance Details => Venue archive |
| 12 Sep 12 to 15 Sep 12 | NST Campus Southampton, Hampshire Performance Details => Venue archive |
