Theatre News

Chandos portrait to be shown at new Shakespeare exhibition

The world famous painting will be displayed for a limited time in Stratford-Upon-Avon

It's not been possible to determine who painted the portrait of Shakespeare
It's not been possible to determine who painted the portrait of Shakespeare, named after the Dukes of Chandos who formerly owned the painting

A new exhibition in Stratford-upon-Avon will feature a chance for Shakespeare fans to catch a glimpse of the world-famous "Chandos" portrait.

The painting will be loaned to the Royal Shakespeare Company by the National Portrait Gallery, where it has lived since it was found in 1856. It will be on display for a limited time to mark the opening of the permanent exhibition. The portrait will sit alongside a rare first folio of Shakespeare's plays which dates back to 1623.

The interactive exhibition will also include a glimpse behind the scenes of some of the RSC's theatrical techniques, such as how snapping a carrot can replicate the sound of a bone snapping, and other gory secrets.

Visitors are invited to take part in the "Quick Change Challenge" in which participants have to change costume against the clock. Costumes worn by actors such as David Tennant, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Laurence Olivier will also be on show.

The Play's The Thing will open in Stratford-upon-Avon on 22 October.