Actress and writer Eileen Atkins takes to the stage of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse for a performance that pays tribute to Ellen Terry, one of the finest Shakespearean actresses of the Victorian period.

Atkins weaves together Four Lectures On Shakespeare, which Terry composed with her friend and colleague Henry Irving, with stories from the actress’ life and excerpts from Shakespeare’s plays.

The performance sees her take on more than 10 roles, including Juliet, Beatrice and Viola, shedding new light on the Bard’s female characters that have often been considered dull or submissive.

Atkins returns to the London stage following her performance opposite Michael Gambon in All That Fall at the Arts Theatre. She is well known for her screen credits, which include Cranford, Upstairs, Downstairs and Gosford Park.