As New Years Eve is known as Hogmany in Scotland, what better choice for the 12 Plays of Christmas for Day 7 than ‘the Scottish Play’ itself, “MacBeth”. “MacBeth” is a tragedy centred around the character MacBeth, as he plots and takes over the role as King of Scotland. MacBeth, a soldier, bumps into witches who predict he will become Thane of Cawdor and well … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 7 – MacBeth
Today we shall dive headfirst into the “Merry Wives of Windsor” for the 12 Plays of Christmas…. why? Well, long story short, there are many places called Windsor, and many plays with Falstaff in them. There are 2 plots within the play. The first involves Falstaff attempting to trick married women, saying that he loves them (in identical letters). The women are smart and compare … Continue reading 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 6 – The Merry Wives of Windsor
Welcome to Day 5 of the 12 Plays of Christmas. The 5th day of Christmas celebrates St Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury at one point. So today’s play is “Henry V”, as well, the Archbishop of Canterbury is a character in the play. That’s enough of a reason for me. “Henry V” is a play that hardly needs introduction, as well, Henry goes to … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 5 – Henry V
Welcome to Day 4 of the 12 Plays of Christmas. Day 4 is the Feast of Holy Innocents – commemorating the children killed by King Herod. So I have selected one of my favourite plays, which includes an attempted baby killing, “The Winter’s Tale”. “The Winter’s Tale” was the first major I directed that picked up awards at the National Finals of the Sheillah Winn … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 4 – “The Winter’s Tale”
Welcome to Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas. Today I have selected Shakespeare’s King John. Traditionally this day is the day of St John, so that’s my reasoning. “King John” is one of the History plays from Shakespeare, and one that is rarely performed. Filled with intrigue, “King John” should not be overlooked. The story follows the reign of King John. At the … Continue reading 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 3 – King John
Alright, welcome to Day 2 of the 12 Plays of Christmas. This one is a bit of a stretch, but, day 2 of Christmas is St Stephens Day, and he was a martyr known for making long speeches…. and who do we know who is a bit of a martyr and makes long speeches? Hamlet! “Hamlet” is my favourite play by far, I love everything … Continue reading 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 2 – “Hamlet”
Not that long ago I was planning my “12 Days of Christmas Knits” for my other blog, when the idea struck that clearly I needed to commemorate the 12 days of Christmas with Shakespearean plays, and an idea of how scenes could be staged, given my passion for the Otago University Sheilah Winn Festival of Shakespeare. If you would like a freebie, here is a … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 1 – “Love’s Labour’s Lost”
Back in June we traveled to Wellington to the SGCNZ National Finals to perform “Pericles; The Prince of Tyre”. This was a 15 minute excerpt with a colonial New Zealand twist. Award winners of “Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role” for Thomas Laybourn (Simondes) and “Globe Assessors Award for Outstanding Integration of Tikanga Maori”. Directed by Juanita McLellan. For the last few years it has … Continue reading “Pericles; The Prince of Tyre” at the SGCNZ National Finals 2017
In July 2018 I will be traveling to London to perform on the Globe Theatre stage. To say that I am excited is an understatement. I am over the moon giddy. I know this will roll around really quickly, and before I know it, it will all be over. For now there is planning, fundraising, researching and getting ready. I am excited to spend my … Continue reading Performing at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London
The whole plot of Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” is complex. The King and Queen are happy…. and expecting a baby. Then the King decides that clearly his wife has had an affair with his mate (who has been in the court for 9 months…. and she convinced him to stay longer). She denies the affair, but he throws her in jail anyway. Later she gives … Continue reading “The Winter’s Tale” Explained
Beyond Theatre 