Posts with the label Barn Theatre
Showing posts with label Barn Theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barn Theatre. Show all posts
Wednesday, 22 July 2020
The Barn Theatre announce outdoor festival: BarnFest
The Barn Theatre in Cirencester has announced the launch of their first Summer outdoor theatre festival, BarnFest – Outdoor Theatre Festival, which will run from 25 July until 5 September.
The outdoor festival, which will be held within the grounds of Ingleside House adjacent to the theatre, will bring the award-winning theatre outdoors with entertaining productions catered towards the whole family ranging from children’s entertainment to re-imagined Shakespeare.
Giffords Circus star Tweedy the Clown will launch the inaugural BarnFest season with his new family entertainment extravaganza Tweedy: Al Fresco!
The season will be followed by Natasha Barnes and Vikki Stone in their musical mashup Funny Gals: A History of Women Being Hilarious In Musicals. The show explores the comedy music written for women in musical theatre.
Outdoor theatre company Illyria Theatre will be bringing three of their acclaimed productions to the festival: The Wind in the Willows, The Emperor’s New Clothes and The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle.
Rosie Day, will star in her play Instructions For A Teenage Armageddon. The production, directed by Georgie Staight and featuring the voice of Maxine Peake as Sensible Scout Leader Susan, previously had a successful run at The Old Red Lion Theatre in London. Instructions For A Teenage Armageddon is co-produced by Studio POW and the Barn Theatre.
New theatre company SCOOT Theatre will bring their re-imagined production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a 60-minute retelling set within the world of cricket, to the festival. The production, directed by Joseph O’Malley, features a cast including past Barn Theatre actors Aaron Sidwell and Max Hutchinson.
The season will also feature two brand new co-productions from the Barn Theatre. The first will be a new production of Simon Reade’s play adaptation of Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo, directed by Alexander Knott, will run at BarnFest from 17th to 22nd August. The show is co-produced by Take Two Theatricals, BoxLess Theatre and the Barn Theatre.
A new production of the Kander & Ebb musical revue The World Goes ‘Round will complete the run as part of BarnFest. The production will be directed by Kirk Jameson with musical direction by Nick Barstow.
Iwan Lewis, Artistic Director said: “We’re back! I am absolutely delighted to announce that the Barn Theatre, under unprecedented circumstances, is launching its very first outdoor theatre festival, BarnFest. Since the government statement allowing outdoor theatre to take place just over a week ago, the team have worked tirelessly to bring together a month-long programme of events featuring everything from children’s entertainment to Shakespeare. So, there’s something for all the family. I’d like to assure everyone thinking of attending that your safety has been paramount in planning this event. All precautions have been taken to ensure you enjoy a safe and friendly festival environment and we cannot wait to have our audiences back at the Barn.”
The theatre will be adhering stringently to all government guidelines during the festival and have released further details and information regarding the venue and procedures to keep audiences, staff and performers safe on their website here: https://barntheatre.org.uk/barnfest/bfyoursafety
Monday, 27 May 2019
Henry V, Barn Theatre | Review
Henry V
Barn Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 24th May 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Shakespeare's plays are a regular feature in the theatrical circuit but the Barn Theatre have switched it up by modernising and refreshing Henry V to make it appealing to a younger audience, as well as Shakespeare enthusiasts. Whilst the play has been brought to a more modern time, it maintains the classic Shakespeare feel.
The design by Benjamin Collins utilises technology through video projection which creates a visceral experience as it bombards up with varying imagery that flashes before our eyes. Familiar images pop up as the King's death is played on a news channel and ambassadors meet in a staged fashion. The new king Harry is also shown living it up with his people as he drinks and sways among strobes and techno music.
Aaron Sidwell brings a charisma alongside a darkness to the title role as he charms those around him, whilst fighting for what he believes is right. He wises up through his journey as a leader and realises the importance of amity as he extends an olive branch to Katherine after the slaughter of her people.
The eight strong cast do a fantastic job of keeping their energy extremely high throughout. Their swift moments and precise transitions are incredibly well carried out as they bring varying character to life through action which even spreads to the audience at times. This production cleverly balances high intensity and noise, with moments of calm and serenity. Mention must go to Lauren Samuels who is endearing and humours as her various characters and speaks French like she's a native.
The Barn Theatre's Henry V is an inventive and entertaining treat. A strong, well directed cast bring a classic to life with a verve and energy that should be seen and appreciated.
Henry V runs at the Barn Theatre until 22nd June 2019
photo credit: Eve Dunlop
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