Saturday 14 February 2015

At the theatre

We've been to Stratford-upon-Avon for a few days to celebrate a friend's fiftieth birthday. We had tickets for a production at the Swan Theatre. It's a lovely space that echoes the atmosphere of the courtyard theatres of Shakespeare's time. There is a thrust stage surrounded by bench seats in the stalls and simple wooden balustraded galleries above. 
I took these photos on the way to our seats and didn't want to use the flash. I hope that you can get an idea of what a magical space it is.

The production that we had come to see had received glowing reviews in the press.

It was a lot of fun.

We arrived at the theatre in good time to have a look around and study whatever might be on display. I enjoy the opportunity to study costumes at close quarters when I visit the theatre or ballet and it's also fascinating to read about the thought processes of the various designers.
From the traditional
To the wildly inventive

and all stages in-between.

You would certainly feel in character trailing all this flotsam behind you!


I rather fancy having an outfit made of Toile de Jouy and denim!

6 comments:

  1. I love the Candide costumes and their worn-out look!

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    1. They were my favourite outfits as well. I like the way that they fit the characters so well - Candide still a gentleman while his future wife drags all her messy life along behind her!

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  2. It's almost worth going into acting just to wear this finery. Wow. I love the murmur of a theatre before curtain. Thanks for these surreptitious photos!

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    1. Not that you need such an excuse, Melanie! All life's a stage etc, etc.... The atmosphere was terrific in the Swan; the sound of church bells rang out and it felt as though we were in one of the tightly-knit districts of Elizabethan London. It was very much ensemble playing with some set pieces of singing and performing - a real troupe of actors.

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  3. I love the costumes, especially the one made of gloves and the 'ragbag' costume - and what a wonderfully atmospheric theatre - it all looks fabulous.

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    1. We are hoping to see 'Death of a Salesman' in April, by way of extreme contrast!

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