The Barn Theatre have announced a special week of episodes that celebrates the female characters of William Shakespeare’s work as part of their ongoing series Bard From The Barn.
The week of episodes will be released every week day at 5pm, culminating in a special episode on 29 May 2020 at 9pm, where co-producer Aaron Sidwell and lead editor Benjamin Collins will chat with the performers and directors of the week’s episodes about the process and the importance of these characters.
The week’s performances are:
Monday 25 May: Cleopatra from Antony and Cleopatra, performed by Alicia Charles and directed by Hal Chambers
Tuesday 26 May: Emilia from Othello, performed by Rebecca Jayne-Davies and directed by David Mercatali
Wednesday 27 May: Lady Macbeth from Macbeth, performed by Sophie May Wake and directed by Phil Bartlett
Thursday 28 May: Juliet from Romeo and Juliet, performed by Sarah-Louise Hughes and directed by Dominic Shaw
Friday 29 May: Rosalind from As You Like It, performed by Grace Liston and directed by Kirstie Davis
The series, which is co-produced by Aaron Sidwell and the Barn Theatre, airs on the Barn Theatre’s Facebook, YouTube and Instagram channels every weekday at 5pm weekdays and the first phase has featured performances from over 30 performers including Tricia Adele-Turner (Dear Evan Hansen), Max Hutchinson (The Woman in Black) and Jasper Cartwright (War Horse).
The recently-announced second phase of the series pairs graduating drama school students with professional actors and directors to reimagine William Shakespeare’s greatest duologues. Performers who have joined the cast include Natasha Barnes, Nathan Amzi, Mark Peachey and Eddie Eyre.
The series, which is based on an original concept by Aaron Sidwell and Hal Chambers, is production co-ordinated by Emma Smith with Benjamin Collins as Lead Editor and sound design by Harry Smith.
The series forms part of the Barn Theatre’s Behind The Barn Door live streaming service. Set up in March, when the theatre had to temporarily close following government guidance, the service includes a full recording of the Barn Theatre’s critically-acclaimed 2019 Built by Barn production of William Shakespeare’s Henry V, directed by Hal Chambers and starring Aaron Sidwell (EastEnders, Wicked) and Lauren Samuels (Bend It Like Beckham, We Will Rock You).
The Barn Theatre (registered charity no. 1174253), which is facing a loss of £250,000 and possible permanent closure, have launched their SAVE OUR BARN campaign, via their website and social media platforms, to ensure the Barn Theatre’s survival.
Donations can be made to the Barn Theatre at http://www.barntheatre.org/sob, calling 01285 648255 or texting SAVEOURBARN 10 to donate £10 to 70085, texts cost the donation value plus one standard rate message.
