The Hampstead Players present
Shakespeare’s Kings
“O for a Muse of fire, that would ascend
The brightest heaven of invention,
A kingdom for a stage, princes to act
And monarchs to behold the swelling scene!”
On 21st January, the Hampstead Players will be presenting a one-off performance of Shakespeare’s Kings. The show was taken to France in August 2005 as the last-minute replacement for Julius Caesar, following an intensive few weeks of script adaptation and rehearsals for the 15-strong cast, many of whom will be returning to perform in London.
Adapted from Shakespeare’s two history tetralogies, the show is a dramatic reading of words, music, sound and light, condensing 100 years of English history according to Shakespeare into one two-hour play. Starting with Richard II, the action encompasses the comic antics of Falstaff and Prince Hal, the triumphs of Henry V, the Wars of the Roses, and the rise of Richard III, concluding with the accession of the Tudor Henry VII.
Not only is this a unique chance to brush up your historical knowledge of our sceptre’d isle, but also an opportunity to hear some of Shakespeare’s most atmospheric poetry and famous speeches presented in one play. The performance also marks two other special occasions: this is the first event in an exciting year of activities programmed by the Hampstead Players to celebrate the group’s 30th Anniversary and also, we are delighted that David Gardner will be joining the cast, to perform alongside many of the friends he had been working with on Julius Caesar last summer. We do hope that you will come along to support the performance for all these special reasons.
Ben Horslen and John Risebero
The Hampstead Players present Shakespeare’s Kings on Saturday 21 January 2006 at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 (£6 concessions) available from the Box Office: 020 7284 0760. Tickets will also be on sale after the 10.30am Sunday Eucharist. For more information please visit the website: www.hampsteadplayers.org.uk
Shakespeare’s Kings
Ben Horslen and John Risebero