Theatre News

Portsmouth Premiere for Globe’s Latest Tour

Shakespeare’s GlobeNew Theatre Royal next month with a new production of Shakespeare’s delightful comedy As You Like It.

Directed by James Dacre, artistic director at the New Vic, a small troupe of actors present a stripped down version of Shakespeare’s enchanting play in a beautiful open air setting.

Producer, Conrad Lynch, is thrilled to be returning to Portsmouth: “We are delighted to be starting one of our summer tours in partnership with the New Theatre Royal for the fourth year running. We are looking forward to opening our production of As You Like It in the City Museum Gardens and welcoming the great Portsmouth audience.”

Under the leadership of Dominic Dromgoole, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre season plays in repertory from April to October annually, and has gained an international reputation for performance excellence. Its recent performance of Henry IV was awarded the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Actor (Roger Allam).

As You Like It runs the glorious gamut of pastoral romance: cross-dressing and love-notes; poetry and brilliant conversation; gentle satire, slapstick and passion. A handful of travelling players breathes new life into this firm favourite among Shakespeare’s comedies on an Elizabethan style stage, evoking the touring tradition of the Globe’s forefathers.

As artistic director Dominic Dromgoole explains: “The Globe was born out of a touring company culture, and that culture remained vital to it while it flourished. It was with great pride that we resurrected this tradition in summer 2007 after a 400 year break, and we are delighted to be visiting so many stunning venues again this year.”

As You Like It will premiere at Portsmouth City Museum Gardens on Thursday 12 and run until Sunday 15 May.