Shakespeare’s Globe already has their summer plans sorted, as they’ve announced their summer season productions, some of its cast and their directors.
Their summer shows will be;
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The iconic A Midsummer Night’s Dream is going to be directed by Sean Holmes. It’ll be his first production since becoming an associate artistic director at the Globe, and the show will take place from 28 June to 13 October.
Henry IV Parts I and II and Henry V
Shakespeare’s Henry trilogy (Henry IV Parts I and II and Henry V) will be female-led, with direction from Sarah Bedi and Federay Holmes. Even the Globe’s artistic director Michelle Terry is getting involved, as she’ll make an appearance in Henry IV Part I as Hotspur. Although Michelle is no stranger to acting at the Globe, as she’s currently playing Lady Macbeth in a production of Macbeth at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
Further casting includes Helen Schlesinger as Falstaff in Henry IV Part II as well as Sarah Amankwah in the roles of Hal in Henry IV Parts I and II and the King in Henry V. The cast will also comprise of the new resident Globe Ensemble, something that Shakespeare’s company would also have done over 400 years ago.
Henry IV Part I will run from 23 April to 11 October, Henry IV Part II will hit the stage from 25 April to 11 October, and Henry V will be from 30 April to 11 October.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Merry Wives of Windsor will be directed by Nicole Charles and Elle While. Both directors are also very familiar to the Globe, with Nicole having directed Emilia there in 2017, (which is soon to transfer to the Vaudeville Theatre), and Elle recently co-directing Hamlet and As You Like It.
Although casting for this production hasn’t been announced yet, a performance will be shown in cinemas on 20 June. Performances will run from 17 May till 12 October.
Bartholomew Fair
Ben Jonson’s London-based comedy Bartholomew Fair will be directed by Blanche McIntyre, and will run from 23 August to 12 October. Another Globe returner, last year Blanche directed The Winter’s Tale.
And finally, the successful 2018 production of As You Like It makes a welcome return.
What else is on at the Globe this summer?
As well as the summer shows, The Shakespeare’s Globe Touring Ensemble will tour three different plays, each one exploring themes of refuge and displacement. But this isn’t a regular touring production, as the audience votes on which show they’d like to see that night. This year audiences can choose from The Comedy of Errors, Pericles and Twelfth Night. The company of eight actors will be going across the UK between 4 May to 24 August. It will also briefly return to the Globe’s stage for Refugee Week (17 – 23 June) as part of a wider programme of events.
Read Not Dead also returns for performances between February and September, this time celebrating one of the most famous outlaws in English history, Robin Hood. Featuring six early modern plays, the premise involves the actors receiving the script the morning of the performance. That same afternoon, audiences will witness a raw performance, with the actors still holding scripts in hand.
In addition to this, The Globe will hold a day of panel discussions and workshops. These are being held to mark the 400th anniversary of renowned Globe actor’s Richard Burbage’s death, as well as 100 years since Globe founder Sam Wanamaker was born.
The Globe will also be holding two festivals in the coming months. Women and Power will take place in May to highlight the work and voices of women of all backgrounds. There will also be a two-week festival in June entitled Poland is Hamlet, which will explore Poland’s close relationship with Shakespeare.
For ticketing information, please visit the Globe’s website.