A DOUBLE-BILL of Shakespeare is set to come to Reading as part of a theatre collaboration this month.
Reading Repertory Theatre has teamed up with the Guildford Shakespeare Company and Orange Tree Theatre to bring productions of Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet to its stage.
The partnership, now in its third year, will see streamlined, actor-led versions of two of the most famous stories.
Four actors will tread the boards for the productions: Nadav Burnstein as Macbeth and as cast, Ciara Morris as Lady Macbeth and as cast, Chenise Lynette as Juliet and as cast, and Hayden Mampasi as Romeo and as cast.
Macbeth is directed by Zoë Waterman, with Romeo & Juliet directed by Marcus Bazley.
Joining them on the creative team are Sarah Gobran as Producer (GSC), Matt Pinches as Producer (GSC), Kerrie Driscoll as Creative Learning Producer (GSC), Francesca Ellis as Community Director (The Orange Tree Theatre), Sophia Lovell Smith as Set and Costume Designer.
Matt Eaton will provide sound design for Romeo & Juliet, Adam McCready for Macbeth, with Rebecca Wilson as Fight and Movement Director, and Victoria Richards as Stage Manager.
The partnership will also see productions brought to state schools across Berkshire as part of Reading Rep’s ENGAGE programme.
Linda June, Head of ENGAGE at Reading Rep Theatre: “We’re delighted to continue this partnership into its third year.
“Touring into state schools for free and then welcoming students, families and the wider public to see the work on our stage is exactly what ENGAGE exists to do: remove barriers, ignite curiosity and make outstanding theatre part of everyday learning.
“Bringing live theatre directly into education matters: when students hear the language in real voices and watch choices unfold in real time, Shakespeare stops being an abstract text and becomes a living conversation about power, love, consequence and empathy.
“The schools tour removes barriers – cost, travel, confidence – so pupils across Berkshire can access high-quality work where they learn.”
Performances at Reading Rep run on Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25.
More information and booking is available via readingrep.com
