RSC Open Day - Costume tour
August 16, 2008
The Royal Shakespeare Company is once again opening its doors to the public for its annual Open Day in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Open Day features a variety of free and paid-entry events designed to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a production to life. The open house will feature talks with RSC actors and directors and hands-on sessions about costumes, lighting and sound, make-up, wigs, armory and stage fighting.
Activities will take place at several venues around the town, including the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre, the theatre gardens, The Shakespeare Institute, Holy Trinity Church and the RSC workshops at Timothy’s Bridge Road.
Mark Ball, Head of RSC Events and Exhibitions, said, “The RSC’s annual Open Day has firmly established itself as a brilliant opportunity for everyone to interact with those people who help bring a play alive. As well as onstage talks and demonstrations, you’ll be able to tour our scenic workshops, listen to RSC musicians, see how we create realistic fight scenes, be the star in your own poster and try on fake wounds and scars.”
One of the highlights of the day will be a talk by the stars of the RSC’s sold out production of Hamlet, Oliver Ford Davies, Patrick Stewart and David Tennant. The three men will discuss their experiences of working at the RSC and with Shakespeare’s works.
Later, Jonathan Bate, co-editor of the RSC Complete Works, and RSC Chief Associate Director Gregory Doran will look at how an editor’s decision can affect interpretive choices in the rehearsal room and performance.
Over at Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried, the RSC Band and Choir will perform a selection of recently discovered music from the theatre company’s archives. Following the performance, Reverend Martin Gorick will discuss the role the Holy Trinity Church had in Shakespeare’s life and how it may have influenced his work.
Russell Kane's Fakespeare
Award-winning stand-up comedian, Russell Kane, will end Open Day with a performance of his show Fakespeare - the Lamentable Tragedie of Yate’s Wine Lodge.
Other events throughout the day include a Shakespearean dancing competition and The Great Shakespeare Quiz. Visitors will also have the chance to find out the latest on the transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and tour the construction site.
The RSC Open Day will be held Sunday, 31 August.
For a full list of events, times, venues and costs visit www.rsc.org.uk/openday or call the RSC Ticket Hotline on 0844 800 1110.
Tickets for paid-entry events can be purchased in advance, whereas tickets for free events will be available on the day.
