Theatre in the open-air
THE WINTER’S TALE
By William Shakespeare
Daniel Burrows as Leontes and Nicola Osbourne as Hermoine | Photo: Dan Phillips
THU 25 JULY - SAT 3 AUGUST 2024, 7.30PM (no performance on Sunday)
Performed in the open air in the courtyard of Abington Park Museum, Park Avenue South, Northampton NN1 5LW
A tale of jealousy, joy and the miracle of second chances.
CAST
Leontes Daniel Burrows
Hermoine Nicola Osborne
Mamillius Ollie Eales-Rahn
Perdita Amelie Dawson
Camillo Martin Williams
Antigonus Richard Walker
Cleomines Di Wyman
Paulina Jan Stoppani
Emilia Salli Belsham
Polixenes Graham Breeze
Florizel Bailey Fitzpatrick
Officer Alistair Way
Autolicus Rik E Dean
Old Shepherd Robert Kendall
Young Shepherd Maggie Holland
Mopsa Patricia Coleman
Dorcas Jo Nutt
Musicians Jo Nutt, Eamon, Margaret Bignell
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director Clare Brittain
Assistant Director Mark Mortimer
Stage Manager Greg Dolan
Lighting & Sound Phil Welsh
Set design & construction Mark Mortimer
Wardrobe Mistress Pam Mann
Wig Sylist Sandie Gasson
Costume makers Pam Mann, Tamsyn Brown, Jo Nutt, Salli Belsham, Toni Clarke, Di Wyman, Patricia Coleman, Clare Brittain
Choreography Jo Nutt
Bear Head design & construction James Burgess
Poster design Derek Banyard
Programme Meryl Couper
Website Martin Borley-Cox, Meryl Couper
Booking Manager Liz Allen
Box Office Sue Howes
Hospitality Manager Maggie Holland
Front of House / Refreshments Masque Theatre members
MASQUE THEATRE
Chair Rob Kendall | Secretary Jan Stoppani | Treasurer Craig Macpherson | Productions Coordinator Graham Breeze | Publicity Meryl Couper | Box Office Manager Elizabeth Allen | Hospitality Manager Maggie Holland | Newsletter Robert Vaughan | Website Meryl Couper, Martin Borley-Cox | Social Secretary Clare Brittain
Programme
PDF • 3.2 MB
Download
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Dan Phillips
SEE ALSO
Our other productions of The Winter’s Tale
- 1989 | 1968 | 1955
- All our shows
REVIEW
Laugh and possibly cry
Ade Wyman
You really shouldn't have missed it! The cast and crew were excellent, the direction kept things moving along nicely, there are live musicians too and an opportunity to buy homemade sausage rolls and a bit of tiffin. There should always time for tiffin!
Cast-wise, there are too many names to call out without missing someone, but suffice it to say that the lads were powerful, the supporting actors strong, and you will laugh, possibly cry (the lass next to me did) and there were a couple of plot surprises along the way, and not just Exit pursued by a bear!
The story was clearly articulated (Shakespeare can be tough but not with this cast) and was performed cohesively, with mixture of the tried and tested acting 'stalwarts' and new members .
I really enjoyed it, as did those around me. Well done to all involved in pulling off this 'problem' play.
Photo: Dan Phillips
This production is directed by Clare Brittain. Clare has also directed Our Country's Good (2023), The Taming of the Shrew (2021), The Dresser (2019), Amadeus (2015) and The Madness of King George III (2007).
PREVIEW
From psycho-drama to happy ever after
Clare Brittain, director
The Winters Tale is very often thought of as one of Shakespeare's 'problem' plays.
The first half is a 'psyco drama' with a seemingly mad monarch bringing his wife to trial for supposed adultery with his best friend and also a tragedy with the gory death of one character and the abandonment of a small baby to the mercies of the elements.
In contrast, the second half of the play (which takes place 16-years-later) is full of bucolic humour in the bohemian scenes and all the wrongs of the first half are put right at the end. Love conquers all and like all good fairy tales everyone lives happily ever after.
Masque have performed this play four times. My late grandfather, Vic Wilkins, played the old shepherd, and some years later Masque stalwart Rob Kendall was the young shepherd, Polixenes (and a memorable bear!) previously and this time he will play the Old Shepherd!
The tortured Leontes will be played by Daniel Burrows (Oberon in last year's Dream), his wronged queen Hermione by Nicky Osbourne (last seen in When We are Married) and Polixenes will be in the capable hands of Graham Breeze (also last seen in When we are Married).
The honest courtier Camillo will be in the capable hands of Masque stalwart Martin Williams. Paulina, one of the courtiers not afraid to speak her mind, will be played by Jan Stoppani (also last seen in the Dream). The young Shepherd will be in the capable hands of Maggie Holland and the rogue, Autolicus will be played by Rik E. Dean (both will be remembered for their memorable performances in The Christmas Spirit).
The young lovers, Perdita and Florizel will be played by Amelie Dawson and Anderson North who will both be in Little Women. Assorted Ladies,Gentlemen, Officers, Mariners, servants, shepherdesses etc will be in the capable hands of Patricia Coleman, Jo Nutt, Alistair Way, Salli Belsham, and Di Wyman.
Ollie will play Mamillius, young prince of Sicilia. Lastly, Time, who links the first and second parts of the play, will be played by Owen Warr. Pam Mann will be assisting with costumes, Mark Mortimer is set designer and builder plus is also co director, Ingrid Heymann is prompt, Jo Nutt, choreographer and Phil Welsh is the sound and lighting technician.
