As Playbox Theatre and Shakespeare Young Company complete performances of The Queens in an immersive performance and Romeo and Juliet as a semi-staged event in Stratford Town Hall for the fund-raising Shakespeare’s Coming Home, plans turn to a special year
In 2023 we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio. This treasured book is our record of the majority of his plays. Shakespeare has, since inception in 1986, played a central role in the work of the Playbox Theatre.
Today we announce our outline plans for FOLIO a celebration across the year to include:
Christmas 2022.
The launch of FOLIO with our Christmas production at The Dream Factory. A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM in a glittering show for all the family and the first time Playbox have staged Shakespeare at Christmas. The production will be for everyone and a fabulous introduction for children as well as a delight for seasoned audiences.
Spring 2023
SHAKES-SCENE
Across all ages Playbox create responses to the plays in the folio. Mini plays, movement, outdoor theatre, immersive encounters, even the baby sensory studio will draw on the 37 plays to envelop The Dream Factory and it’s surrounds.
Summer 2023
RAW
In our 50 seat Studio, Carousel, close up and personal productions from SYC, Playbox Professionals, Voice and other programmes. The work will spill out onto our Phoenix Outdoor Theatre from midsummer night.
Autumn 2023
CHIMES AT MIDNIGHT
Inspired by the iconic Orson Welles film of the same name, we conclude our FOLIO with the staging of Henry 1V parts 1 and 2 with additions from Richard 11 and Henry V. Planned to be one of our biggest ever classical productions. The show will focus on Falstaff and reflect how Wells created the definitive Shakespeare movie.
To accompany FOLIO there will be music events, street theatre, screenings and extraordinary participatory events for everyone.
FOLIO is our celebration of the plays, and what they mean to us today.
Further information on the project will be released in the summer, as will further details of Playbox Theatre’s autumn/winter season, with a major focus on great world drama.
