Questioning the Canon: William Shakespeare and Thomas Middleton

Questioning the Canon is a new feature in which I hope to bring to light lesser-known books about a certain issue, which can be read alongside or instead of infamous 'classics'. People are starting to discuss whether the authors we hold up as cultural icons - Shakespeare, Dickens, Wordsworth - should be accompanied by previously marginalised writers. Our idea of what constitutes 'great literature' is becoming broader.  This can only be a good thing, as it means more diversity and social representation in what we read!

Theatre Review: Measure for Measure (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Isabella is a woman of deep religious belief, who is soon to enter a convent where she will begin her devout life as a nun. Shortly before she embarks, Isabella is informed that her beloved brother Claudio has been arrested by Lord Angelo. His sentence is death. Isabella meets with Lord Angelo to plead for her brother's life and he strikes a deal: her virginity in return for a pardon. Torn between a sister's love and her unwavering religious faith, Isabella's struggle dramatises the public and private battles for power that have raged for centuries...

Questioning the Canon: William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe

Questioning the Canon is a new feature in which I hope to bring to light lesser-known books about a certain issue, which can be read alongside or instead of infamous 'classics'. People are starting to discuss whether the authors we hold up as cultural icons - Shakespeare, Dickens, Wordsworth - should be accompanied by previously marginalised writers. Our idea of what constitutes 'great literature' is becoming broader.  This can only be a good thing, as it means more diversity and social representation in what we read!

Theatre Review: Richard III (Headlong Productions)

After years of devastating war between the houses of York and Lancaster, peace is finally restored to England under the reign of King Edward IV. However, with Edward's bitter and alienated younger brother, Richard, waiting in the wings, it seems that the cycle of vengeance is yet to be broken...

Theatre Review: Troilus & Cressida (Royal Shakespeare Company)

My birthday treat this year was a pair of tickets to see a live-streamed production of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Troilus & Cressida. The play is a love story that unfolds in the midst of the Trojan war. With the Greek army camped at their walls, tensions are mounting in the besieged city. Troilus and Cressida must negotiate a tangle of betrayal and deceit if they are to remain true to one another.

Dunsinane by David Greig: Raw, Atmospheric Shakespeare Sequel

Rating: 4 stars Category: Play Synopsis: Macbeth, the Scottish tyrant, has been defeated and King Malcolm placed on the throne. However, Scotland’s woes are far from over. With an English army placed at Dunsinane to protect Malcolm from dissenters, all sides are wary and loyalties only tentative. The possibility of peace is called into question as citizens and foreigners alike struggle to navigate this strange and unforgiving land.

Theatre Review: Romeo & Juliet (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Last week I went to watch a live theatre streaming of Romeo & Juliet at my local cinema, performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. I studied this play at school and it became one of my favourite works of Shakespeare, so I was a little nervous that finally being able to see it on stage would not live up to my very high expectations. However, I absolutely loved the bold modern version brought to life by director Erica Whyman. 

Theatre Review: The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (Split Second Productions)

A couple of weeks ago I gave myself a break from the stress of A-Level revision by going to watch Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest performed by Split Second Productions. I don’t think I have ever laughed so much in a show! I left with that wonderfully light-hearted feeling that only great comedy can bring.

Royal Shakespeare Company’s Macbeth: Theatre Review

This week I went to see a live-streamed performance of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Macbeth at my local cinema. It was my first experience of Macbeth and I have been captivated by Shakespeare’s twisted and darkly insidious tale...

Live Theatre Streaming: Royal Shakespeare Company’s Twelfth Night

If you follow my blog on Facebook, then you may know that I recently went to watch Twelfth Night performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The performance took place in Stratford-upon-Avon (UK) but I watched it live streamed from the comfort of my local cinema. It was an incredible experience that gave me a real buzz, so I wanted to share it with you!