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BrumHour saw The Winter’s Tale at the invite of The RSC.
By David Fox x.com/DavidFoxTheatre
The Winter’s Tale at The RSC Royal Shakspeare Theatre: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐”Stylish, emotional, and haunting”
Directed by Yaël Farber
The Winter’s Tale – Shakespeare’s late, great romance is a haunting story of jealousy, loss, and redemption. In Sicilia, King Leontes is consumed by jealousy, and accuses his wife Hermione of infidelity with his childhood friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia. His jealousy sets in motion a tragic chain of events—family torn apart, reputations shattered, and a newborn daughter abandoned. As the play shifts from the court of Sicilia to the rural Bohemia, time becomes a healer, guiding the characters toward forgiveness and miraculous reunion.
This new RSC production features double Olivier and Tony Award-winner Bertie Carvel, Madeline Appiah, and Aïcha Kossoko. The last time Carvel was at the RSC, he originated the role of Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical. His performance here is far removed from that grotesque role – at first cold, jealous, and distrustful – he is easy to dislike when he casts out his daughter, and full of sorrow at the end reconciliation. Appiah was wonderfully regal and emotional as wronged wife Hermione, and Kossoko was simply stunning, full of anger and indignation, as Paulina. Excellent performances.
The rest of the ensemble cast were also amazing, with stand-out performances from Amelda Brown (Shepherdess), Raphael Sowole (Camillo), and a special mention for Trevor Fox as Time the Thief, who acted as a humorous and enigmatic narrator throughout.
The staging and design of this production are simply stunning and linger long in the memory after the play has finished. This reimagined tale is brought vividly to life through Soutra Gilmour’s elemental set: a bleak, empty stage full of striking lighting design by Tim Lutkin, contrasting light and shadows allow the acting to take centre stage. A play of two halves – bleak and austere at first, and warm and vibrant second, the stage is dominated by a giant, illuminated moon, which swirls and colures and emotions become heightened.
One of the standout elements of this production is its wonderful musical score. Directed by Lindsey Miller, the music is both hauntingly beautiful and emotionally resonant, heightening the themes and emotion of the story – featuring live performance on stage from cello and violin. This thoughtful musical direction not only complements the drama but elevates the entire production to a more poignant and memorable level.
Yaël Farber skilfully directs a stylish, emotional, and haunting production – a modern take on The Winter’s Tale is an absolutely wonderful production – recommended.
The Winters’ Tale is at Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford upon Avon until 30th August 2025. Book tickets here: rsc.org.uk/the-winters-tale.
