So this weekend I woke myself up at what felt like the crack of dawn for a morning of Shakespeare at The Regents Park Open Air Theatre.
It's become a yearly ritual for my family and I to head down to the well-hidden open air theatre to watch a Shakespearean drama, comedy or tragedy. I've seen the wonders of A Midsummer Nights Dream, the magic of the Tempest and the sea worthiness of Pericles, but this time it was A Winter's Tale that grabbed our attention.
As usual with Shakespeare, the plot is never straightforward or simple. Set in Sicilia and Bohemia the play follows two best friends King Leontes and King Polixenes whose relationship falls apart due to jealousy. Leontes believes his wife Hermione has been cheating on him with his best friend, so he has her imprisoned and plans to poison Polixenes. Fortunately Polixenes escapes, but whilst under arrest Hermione gives birth to a daughter called Perdita who is sentenced to death by abandonment in the wilderness. Despite protests Leontes refuses to acknowledge the child and waits for his faithful servants to return from the oracle to judge/condemn Hermione and Polixenes for their crimes. Unluckily for Leontes the oracle claims that Hermione is a true wife which in a rage he immediately denies. As punishment for his denial a call goes out to say that Leontes son and heir is dead and Hermione collapses and later dies. Told you it was dramatic. So what happens to his lost daughter Perdita? Well you'll need to go and see it to find out and you've only got four days left!
This version of the Shakespearean tale has been adapted in a way to appeal and engage all ages. This basically means that you'll at some stage of the play be in invited to join in. With a drama degree under my belt I have no issue with jumping out of my seat and joining in with dance routines, throwing my hands or shouting out loud. My Dad and sister on the other hand preferred to stay seated whilst I clapped away like a loon. One day they will disown me.
The acting was exceptional, but my favourite part of the entire play was the transformation of mobility scooters in to boat. I bow down to your genius and creativity and would very much like to purchase one.
Visit http://openairtheatre.com/ to book tickets and see what else is on.
