‘There’s just too much to see!’ – Your Guide to the RSC’s 2017 Theatre Season

If you’re just as easily excited by Theatre, and have a soft spot for the RSC productions, like us here at On It, then when the RSC announce all the shows coming up in their next season it can always feel a tad overwhelming.

First comes excitement, the joyful reading of each play title they’ll be bringing to life this year, and the fantastic directors that’ll be taking control. Then comes a moment after when you tell yourself that you must see this and you must see that, and the list goes on so much that you can’t remember what you wanted to see in the first place! There’s just so much to see! Then the realization hits you; it’s somewhat impossible to everything, so you’ll have to choose. But how can you!? They all look so good! Well, have no fear! We’ve put together this handy little guide to each of the shows to help you find the shows that are right for you, so that you can make sure you don’t miss the ones that can offer you personally the best actor, director or even writer inspiration.

JULIUS CAESAR:

'Caesar returns from war, all-conquering, but mutiny is rumbling in the corridors of power. Opening the Rome season, Angus Jackson (Oppenheimer, Don Quixote) directs Shakespeare’s epic and thrilling tragedy as the politics of spin and betrayal turn bloody and brutal.’ - RSC Summary

An Ancient Roman game of Politics and Family; anyone who loves shows such as House of Cards should brace themselves for the original political thriller, with some of the most accurate social political commentary ever written. Shakespeare writes for an unsettled England in 1599, and the directors bring it back to the stage for an unsettled and divided England in 2017. If intense drama with a touch of political commentary is your thing, then this is the play for you.

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA:

‘Following Caesar’s assassination, Mark Antony has reached the heights of power. Now he has neglected his empire for a life of decadent seduction with his mistress, Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. Iqbal Khan (Much Ado About Nothing, Othello) returns to the RSC to direct Shakespeare’s tragedy of love and power.’ – RSC Summary

One of the On It Team’s personal favourite Shakespeare plays, we can’t wait to see Iqbal Khan create the world that is Anthony and Cleopatra. The enjoyment of the play comes from it’s ‘fiction based on fact’ essence – the way that all the events did happen brings this gravitas to every line and action, and is one of the most interesting observations of Politics and Love within the human condition; fundamentally is an exploration of the clash between reason and emotion, alongside the equally relevant theme of the east and the west. It’s basically a better Romeo and Juliet; much more adult, with a far more intriguing leading lady. Cleopatra is a role every actress should aspire to see performed; she is powerful and complex in way that we very rarely see in theatre dating so far back. If you’re also a lover of art and design, and can appreciate a good set, with the back drop of both Rome and Egypt, I’m sure the RSC will make something visually stunning for the audience.

CORIOLANUS:

‘A full throttle war play that revels in the sweat of the battlefield, Coriolanus transports us back to the emergence of the republic of Rome. Season Director Angus Jackson completes our collection of Shakespeare’s epic Roman plays with Sope Dirisu (One Night in Miami, Donmar Warehouse) in the title role.’ – RSC Summary

Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare’s plays that by no means is his greatest; as it lacks some of the depth that his other plays contain – but it is fundamentally one of his most obvious plays in its politics. It is about a man who is ‘kingly’ in every sense of the word and its connotations, but is trying to rule at the time of the beginning of politics – and he is not a politician. He is courageous, and has a natural almost traditionally divine gravitas to him, but he is stubborn and doesn’t understand the political concept of having to almost ‘campaign’ for votes from what ultimately, he sees as ‘peasants’. Shakespeare therefore explores throughout the play what it means to be a good ruler in progressing state. If politics with a touch of war is your thing, then this is probably a play for you.

TITUS ANDRONICUS:

‘Shakespeare’s gory revenge tragedy presents us with murder as entertainment and poses questions about the nature of sexuality, family, class and society. Blanche McIntyre (The Two Noble Kinsmen) returns to direct this bloody and brutal play, where the decay of Rome reaches violent depths.’ - RSC Summary.

Titus Andronicus is simply put – a bloodbath. A play just filled with more violent atrocities than any other Shakespeare play. The suspense is high as Shakespeare basically documents the great fall of the Roman Empire; a violent truth that can be hard to watch. If you’re particularly squeamish it’s best to stay away from this one. However, if you’re one of a political mindset and have an interest in social and historical patterns within society, then this (as well as the other plays in the Rome themed cycle) might be a show for you – that and if you love a bit of gore and what we’re sure to be impressively convincing stage-fighting.

CICERO PART 1 & 2:

'After his stunning RSC adaptation of Hillary Mantel’s ‘Wolf Hall’ and ‘Bring Up The Bodies’, Mike Poulton turns his pen to the thrilling world of power politics in the ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero trilogy, staged in six parts plays over two performances, directed by Gregory Doran.’ - RSC Summary

‘Ancient Rome is the setting for the stunning novel from Robert Harris. When Tiro, the confidential secretary of a Roman senator, opens the door to a terrified stranger on a cold November morning, he sets in motion a chain of events which will eventually propel his master into one of the most famous courtroom dramas in history. The stranger is a Sicilian, a victim of the island's corrupt Roman governor, Verres. The senator is Cicero, a brilliant young lawyer and spellbinding orator, determined to attain imperium - supreme power in the state. Compellingly written, it takes us inside the violent, treacherous world of Roman politics, to describe how one man - clever, compassionate, devious, vulnerable - fought to reach the top.’ – Book Summary

It’s very rare that the RSC stage brand new work – but when they do it’s always a sight to behold. Having not read the books the new two plays are based on, we can’t give too much information, however we do know the historical story of Cicero is a fascinating one, and if you’re interested in seeing Julius Caesar, we’d highly recommend seeing this new work as well. It’s also a great piece to see if Shakespeare isn’t what you’re looking for, but you fancy an intense political drama, then this is definitely something to put in your diary.

VICE VERSA:

‘Director Janice Honeyman (The Tempest, 2009) piles on the physical fun in this side-splitting comedy romp, lovingly ripped off from the Roman comedies of Plautus. Writer Phil Porter (A Mad World My Masters, The Christmas Truce) creates a riotous new farce of servants, mistaken identity, and a talking monkey!’ – RSC Summary.

Another new piece for the RSC this year, and this time it’s a hilarious satire/farce, designed to simply make you laugh. With such a wonderful director behind it, we’re certain that that this production is going to be a great laugh out loud night out for you and your friends. If you just a fancy a good comedy, then this is the show you’ll want to see.

VENUS AND ADONIS:

‘Artistic Director Gregory Doran revives his unique version of Shakespeare’s kaleidoscopic poem using narration, music and puppetry. This little-known gem was Shakespeare’s first bestseller, weaving together comedy, tragedy and beautiful poetry to tell the raunchy story of Venus and her obsession with handsome Adonis. Created in collaboration with Little Angel Theatre, the home of British puppetry, Venus and Adonis is ‘witty, erotic and ingenious’ (Guardian)’ – RSC Summary.

The poem by Shakespeare tells the story of Venus, the Goddess of Love, and her attempted seduction of Adonis, an extremely handsome young man, who has no interest in love in any form. The poem is dramatic, pastoral, and at times erotic, comic, and tragic. It contains discourses on the nature of love, and many brilliantly described observations of nature. Very rarely done, and hard to pull off, any lover of unique innovative theatre, and poetry, should take note of this production for sure.

SNOW IN MIDSUMMER:

‘A contemporary re-imagining of one of the most famous classical Chinese dramas. Director Justin Audibert (The Jew of Malta) returns to the RSC to breathe new life into this ancient and haunting story of a young girl, struggling to prove her innocence for a crime she didn’t commit.’ – RSC Summary.

Starring Katie Leung, who is best known for her role as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter film series, this new interpretation has certainly got a serious buzz. This new creation of such a fascinating classical tale is sure to be riveting, and keep you on the edge of your seat. Anyone who loves something a little bit on the haunting side, this is the show you want to see.

THE TEMPEST:

‘On a distant island a man waits. Robbed of his power and wealth, his enemies have left him in isolation. But this is no ordinary man, and this no ordinary island …In a unique partnership with Intel we will be using ground-breaking technology to create a world that pushes the technical boundaries of theatre. Simon Russell Beale plays Prospero, directed by RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran.’ – RSC Summary.

Well, this is already currently playing at the RSC, and we hear at On It can’t recommend it enough! It’s perfect for anyone who wants to see a Shakespeare classic with stunning visuals, and phenomenal acting. We won’t go on, but if you want to know all our thoughts, check out our review for it!

SALOME:

‘In Oscar Wilde’s lyrical, one-act drama, he reinvents Salome as a powerful and enigmatic figure, both erotic and chaste. Owen Horsley, Associate Director on the King & Country season, directs our first ever Oscar Wilde production in Stratford-upon-Avon. This new production revels in the beauty of this poetic masterpiece.’ – RSC Summary.

If you love Oscar Wilde, then you should definitely get yourself to Stratford for this one! If you don’t know much about the writer, he was particularly famous for his poetical yet gothic style, contemplating the taboos of society – he’s certainly not a writer for those wanting something simple, he’s complex, and certainly always leaves the reader and viewers a bit puzzled.

LOVES LABOURS LOST & MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (LOVE’S LABOURS WON):

'Summer 1914. In order to dedicate themselves to a life of study, the King and his friends take an oath to avoid the company of women for three years. No sooner have they made their idealistic pledge than the Princess of France and her ladies-in-waiting arrive, presenting the men with a severe test of their high-minded resolve.

Autumn 1918. A group of soldiers return from the trenches. The world-weary Benedick and his friend Claudio find themselves reacquainted with Beatrice and Hero. As memories of conflict give way to a life of parties and masked balls, Claudio and Hero fall madly, deeply in love, while Benedick and Beatrice reignite their own altogether more combative courtship. Following a 2014 run in Stratford-upon-Avon and a subsequent in Chichester, the RSC Chichester Festival Theatre productions of the heart-warming double bill Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing (or Love's Labour's Won) will transfer to the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited season.’ – RSC Summary.

Two of Shakespeare’s famous comedies, both performed at the Haymarket. Shakespeare’s comedies are great for a feel-good night out for you, your friends or even your family. Always set around a series of funny misunderstandings, it’s the type of slapstick frustrating comedy Britain has always been famous for. After it’s brilliant run last year, the RSC have brought it back to high demand, so if you want a production that won’t disappoint, then this is the show for you.

THE EARTHWORKS / MYTH:

The Earthworks On the eve of the activation of the Large Hadron Collider, two strangers – a journalist and a scientist – share their experiences of loss and hope in a funny but deeply touching one-act play. Tom Morton-Smith’s Oppenheimer, created for the RSC in 2014, was a smash hit, transferring to the West End. Myth In one wine-fuelled evening, two couples debate their materialistic lifestyle. As their dinner party descends into chaos, their friendship and their lives are irreparably changed. A theatrical experiment into those things we don’t want to see or say.

These two new pieces are being performed at the RSC’s ‘The Other Place’ – a small venue round the corner from the main theatre. We can’t tell you much about the pieces themselves, but we can say that The Other Place is a venue well worth a visit for all those who are real theatre geeks, and the new writing they produce there is normally incredibly fascinating and innovative. If you love to go to Edinburgh Fringe, or just generally love new up and coming theatre, and this is something that would probably be great for you.

TWELFTH NIGHT:

‘Twelfth Night is a tale of unrequited love – hilarious and heart breaking. Identical twins, Olivia and Sebastian, are separated in a shipwreck and forced to fend for themselves in a strange land. Christopher Luscombe and the creative team that brought you the beautiful Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing (2014 & 2016) return with Shakespeare’s greatest comedy.’ – RSC Summary.

We here at On It will argue that Twelfth Night is by far one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, if not the best. A tale of great misunderstanding, unrequited love, and cross-dressing, it’s a great show for everyone. It also holds some of the most beautiful soliloquys Shakespeare has ever written – any Shakespeare fan should be getting themselves to Stratford to see this one.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL:

‘David Edgar, one of our greatest living writers, adapts Charles Dickens’ festive tale of redemption and compassion. One of the most loved short stories ever written, in one ghostly Christmas night, cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge learns to pity himself and to love his neighbour – but is that enough?’ – RSC Summary.

If you haven’t heard of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, then what rock have been living under!? It’s your classic British Christmas story, that involves serious thought about life and what you do with it. A brilliant tale for all the family to go and see to celebrate Christmas 2017.

DIDO, QUEEN OF CARTHAGE:

‘Director Kimberly Sykes (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, tour 2016) delves into Marlowe’s darkly humorous politics of identity and happiness, creating an urgent world where God meets man, East meets West, sea meets land and fate hangs by an unforgiving thread.’ – RSC Summary.

If you love Shakespeare’s more ironic, political, and tragic-comedy plays, such as Hamlet, then you’ll love anything by Christopher Marlowe. Many historians believe the writer taught Shakespeare all he knew about writing a good thought-provoking tragedy before the genius passed away in a brawl over a bill. The brilliance of this play in particular is how, once again, it’s based on such an ancient tale, yet Marlowe puts us in Dido’s point of view, whereas previously the story has always been about and told by her husband Aeneas. It’s heart-wrenchingly brilliant writing, and once again another brilliant part for any female actress to go see. If you just want to see some classics that isn’t Shakespeare, then this is the show to see.

QUEEN ANNE:

‘1702. William III is on the throne and England is on the verge of war. Princess Anne is soon to become Queen, and her advisors vie for influence over the future monarch. Contending with deceit and blackmail, Anne must decide where her allegiances lie, and whether to sacrifice her closest relationships for the sake of the country.’ – RSC Summary.

Historically, Queen Anne is a brilliant and famous story, and yet it took a while for it to be told. However, luckily the playwright Helen Edmundson has taken upon herself to tell the tale of the often-forgotten monarch, stuck between friendship and duty. The production was roaring success last year, with a star-studded cast, and returns for the Royal Haymarket Theatre this summer. An all-around fantastic production about what humans do in extraordinary circumstances – a great play for those interested in the human condition, as well as history.

So, what are you waiting for!?

GET ON IT!

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