Meet the Cast of Stafford Festival Shakespeare 2016: Desdemona

Our final meet the cast interview is with Madeleine Leslay, who will be playing the role of Desdemona in this year’s production of Othello.  Madeleine has previously performed as part of a UK Shakespeare tour, which included the Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night.

 

What made you want to get involved with the Stafford Festival Shakespeare for the first time?

Not only is Othello just the most amazing play, Stafford is a beautiful place, particularly around Stafford Castle. It is a great opportunity to perform one of Shakespeare’s greatest works in a fantastic location.

The Stafford Festival Shakespeare also came highly recommended by friends of mine - Jen Greenwood, who played Hermia in a Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Joshua Manning who played Oliver in As You Like It.

How do you feel about being part of one of the largest outdoor Shakespeare events in Europe?

I am beyond excited! It’s a fantastic opportunity, particularly as the world commemorates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death this year.

 

The Stafford Castle is not your typical setting, have you performed in any outside or in other unusual settings before?

I have recently performed in an outdoor UK Shakespeare tour, in which I performed slap bang in the middle of a field! This tour used minimal sets, so Othello will be a different scale. The Stafford Castle will be the most picturesque place I have acted in.

 

Could you tell us a bit more about Desdemona, what do you think she brings to the play?

Desdemona is a young, happy teenage girl and everything is exciting and new for her. She has had a lovely upbringing and a good education, which perhaps makes her a little naive. My character is also falls heavily in love with Othello, and secretly marries him! I hope that her character will bring a breath of fresh air to the play, which in turn actually makes it all the more tragic when things start to turn against her.

             

What is it your favourite thing about Othello as a play?

My favourite thing about Othello is the language, because it’s so rich, intense and amazing to perform.

I also think that the themes and issues running through the play, for example jealousy and abuse, are still issues that we’re facing and tackling today.

 

What is your personal highlight of the production and setting?

My highlight is definitely the music.  A group of very talented musicians bring the music is to life, so it’s a pleasure to listen to. I am a huge fan of the music of the 1950s, so it is perfect for me!

What do you think will be the highlight for the audience this year?

The set is phenomenal, and a real feast for the eyes.  I also think those who haven’t seen Othello before and don’t know what to expect are in for a treat as Othello is a brilliant, gripping story.

Desdemona is a young girl of high birth who becomes enthralled by stories of Othello’s childhood. She secretly marries and elopes with Othello but their marriage is much to the dismay of her father. Desdemona is a delicate, sweet and virtuous character.

Othello will run from June 23 until July 9 at the Stafford Castle, tickets are available here, or by calling 01785 619080.

Meet the Cast of Stafford Festival Shakespeare 2016: Iago

The latest meet the cast interview is with Niall Costigan who will be playing the role of Iago, one of Shakespeare’s most sinister villains. Niall has previously performed in several Shakespeare productions including Macbeth at the Liverpool Everyman, Much Ado About Nothing for page2stage.

 

What made you want to get involved with the performance of Othello at Stafford Festival Shakespeare?

Othello is a fantastic play, and Iago is a great part to sink your teeth into. The director, Clare Prenton, has amazing ideas about the production so I was honoured to be asked to get involved.

The Stafford Festival Shakespeare is now one of the largest Shakespeare events in Europe, are you excited about being involved?

I can’t wait. It’s a huge scale performance, the perfect setting for one of Shakespeare’s most ambitious and dramatic works. The story traverses two countries and takes the audience through an array of backdrops.

Have you performed in any outdoor productions before?

I grew up performing in the biggest street festival, the Aurillac Street Theatre Festival in France. I have also performed Shakespeare in the open air not far away at Trentham Gardens. However, this will be my largest scale outdoor performance yet.

Could you tell us about what Iago brings to the play?

Iago is the ringmaster of the Othello story, he is brilliantly fascinating and guides you through the play explaining exactly what he will do and then doing it. In essence, what he brings is that he makes the play happen, manipulating the entire production. He is the second largest part Shakespeare created, so you will spend a long time listening to my character talk!

What is it that you most like about the play Othello?

Honestly, I don’t know yet! Every scene we rehearse becomes my new favourite. It just makes you realise why Othello has remained as popular as it is for over 400 years, it reveals so much about humanity and truly depicts the human condition. I think every audience member will discover a part of the play that they can relate to.

What is your highlight of this year’s Othello production and setting?

The best thing for me has to be getting to work with such a fantastic team, who are all deeply passionate about the work we’re doing. I’m really looking forward to that first performance and getting to step onto the stage with them.

What do you think will be the highlight for the audience this year?

I think the audience will enjoy how different this Othello production is from performances they may have seen before. The production team have really opened the play up, and there is plenty for the audience to feast their eyes and ears on.

Iago is the villain in Othello. He betrays the trust of Othello despite having a reputation for being honest and honourable and he controls the other characters in the play through manipulation and deceit.

Othello will run from June 23 until July 9, tickets are available here, or by calling 01785 619080.

 

Meet the Cast of Stafford Festival Shakespeare 2016: Othello

Our meet the cast interview today is with Oliver Wilson, who is playing Othello. This is his first year at the Stafford Festival Shakespeare. Oliver has a love of Shakespeare, which sparked from his time at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) performing Seven Ages of Poetry.

 

 

This is your first year being involved in Stafford Festival Shakespeare.  What made you want to get involved with the performance?

The most interesting thing for me is the fact that it is an open air setting. I’ve never had the opportunity to be involved in an open air production before, and I have heard great things from the actors who have been involved in previous years.

How do you feel about being part of one of the largest open air Shakespeare events in Europe?

It’s certainly going to be a memorable performance for me! I’ve been passionate about Shakespeare for a long time, so being part of such a large Shakespeare festival as we commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death is a real privilege.

The Stafford Castle is not your typical setting, have you performed in any other unusual settings before?

I have done scenes and projects with a company called 1623 in Derby, which puts on Shakespeare performances in unconventional settings, but all my previous full scale productions have been in theatres.

Could you tell us a bit more about Othello, and what he brings to the play?

Othello is a successful leader and a warrior who is at ease in any environment - be it with soldiers, diplomats or dukes. He is a strong moral character with a good sense of right and wrong. The really interesting thing about him is how he is can be really hard when he needs to be, but his character softens a little as he falls in love with Desdemona.

What is it that you most like about Othello as a play?

Othello probably has the most twists the turns of any Shakespeare play, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the drama!

 

What is your highlight of this year’s Othello production and setting?

I think the setting is amazing, probably the most impressive I have worked on to date. The audience will also be completely charmed and drawn in by both Othello and Iago – and end up despising them in equal measure!

What do you think will be the highlight for the audience this year?

This year we’re taking on a tragedy, which is a step away from the lighter plays and comedies of previous Stafford Festival Shakespeare productions. It’s a bigger challenge, and I am looking forward to shaking things up! 

The open air production fits particularly well with the nature of Othello, where you’re outside with the elements and it gets darker as the play gets darker. I think the audience will identify well with the drama and grit.
 

Othello is a Venetian Moorish prince who is appointed as a general in the army. After marrying Desdemona in secret, he is tricked by his officer Iago into believing Desdemona is having an affair.

You have until July 9 to see Othello, tickets are available here, or by calling 01785 619080.

Here comes the sun

~ Things to do in Staffordshire this summer ~

The landlocked county of Staffordshire offers much more than oatcakes, ceramics and the idyllic British countryside. Staffordshire is bursting with world class scenery, hugely popular attractions and award winning events. As summer draws closer, the team at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre has drawn up its list of the best things to see and do in Staffordshire during the season ahead.

#7 Live music at Trentham

Set against the picturesque lakeside scenery of Trentham Gardens, the Trentham Estate’s five-week run of outdoor summer concerts is bound to draw a crowd. Running every Saturday from June 15, through to August 27, Trentham is encouraging attendees to dance their way through the decades with a range of live tribute bands.

If live music isn’t your thing, don’t worry, the Trentham shopping village, garden centre and Monkey Forrest will still be open for the summer.

#6 Gin Jamborees

Britain’s gin scene has exploded over the past twelve months and Staffordshire hasn’t escaped unscathed. A Gin Jamboree provides gin enthusiasts with the perfect excuse to sample some of the newest, most exciting gins on the market – many of them provided by independent, artisan producers.

The ongoing Gin Jamborees are held all over Staffordshire, but you will have to be quick – some of the events have been known to sell out in a matter of days!

 

#5 Take on the Ironman triathlon

Following the success of the 2015 event, the Ironman 70.3 triathlon will be returning to Staffordshire’s Shugborough estate on June 12, 2016. Consisting of a 1.2-mile swim in Chasewater reservoir, a 56-mile bike course through the country and a concluding 13.1-mile run - this fierce challenge is not for the faint hearted.

If clambering through mud isn’t your thing, don’t worry, Staffordshire has plenty more in store.

#4 Summer of Vintage Festival

Showcasing an impressive mix of vintage clothing, collectables, homeware and eclectic antiques from the 1930s to 1970s, the Summer of Vintage Festival at Uttoxeter Racecourse is likely to attract a thrifty crowd of attendees.

Arranged by Staffordshire-based event company, The Vintage Suitcase, the award-winning fair will run at Uttoxeter Racecourse on the weekend of August 6-7.

#3 Summer School take to the stage

This year, the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre’s Summer School will be performing an all new British musical, Loserville, written by Elliot Davis and James Bourne. Aspiring young actors from the Staffordshire area, aged between seven and 21, will have battled for their place in this year’s performance. The highly-anticipated production will run towards the end of the summer, from August 10-13.

#2 The Great British Food Festival

Returning to the Shugborough Estate for its fourth consecutive year, the Great British Food Festival is slowly defining itself as a staple event in any food lover’s calendar. The festival includes a jam-packed schedule of live music, chef demonstrations, cookery classes and the hugely popular ‘man vs food’ challenges.

The family weekend will be returning to the estate on July 9 and 10. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
 

#1 Stafford Festival Shakespeare

Featuring a brand new creative team, the Stafford Festival Shakespeare will return to Stafford Castle this summer for a debut performance of the dark tragedy, Othello. Performed against the stunning castle backdrop, with covered grandstand seating and delicious dining options, the festival promises to be an unforgettable experience.

The open-air event will run from Thursday, June 23, through to Saturday, July 9 and has been described as the theatre’s boldest production yet.

To book your tickets, go to www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.com or call Stafford Gatehouse box office on 01785 619080.

Top five favourite villains

 

Everyone loves a good hero, but no story is complete unless the villain makes us question who's side we're really on. In celebration of The Stafford Festival Shakespeare's latest instalment - Othello, Stafford Gatehouse has put together the definitive list of villains so tantalisingly evil, we secretly love them.
One of Shakespeare's most popular tragedies, Othello is well-known as a play that gives the most lines and stage time to the villain, Iago. In fact, this character is so evil that Disney decided to name the parrot in Aladdin after him. Similar to the annoying-voiced cartoon bird, you can't help but admire the lengths Iago goes to in fulfilling his Machiavellian aims. Here are five more villains we love to hate.

Professor Moriarty
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's brilliantly evil adversary for his equally magnificent protagonist, Sherlock Holmes, is a perfect example of a juicy villain. Described by Holmes himself as the 'Napoleon of crime', Moriarty was introduced primarily as a narrative device to kill off poor Sherlock.
However, in the recent BBC adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, Moriarty - played brilliantly by Andrew Scott - is a more traditional nemesis, a constant thorn in the side and perfect evil counterbalance.

The Joker
The Joker has popped up in thousands of storylines in the DC Comics universe and is best known for tormenting the masked hero, Batman. With a possibly tragic back-story - see the internet for heated debates - The Joker is the Dark Knight's antithesis in a way that is reminiscent of Sherlock and Moriarty.
Again, a modern adaptation of the character is probably now the most well-known. Heath Ledger's poignant performance as The Joker is both unnervingly psychotic and endearing. An impressive mix of emotions to inspire in an audience and also a perfect reason to make the list.

Dick Dastardly and Muttley
Owner of arguably the fastest car of all the Wacky Races competitors, Dastardly theoretically could have won every race along with his sniggering canine sidekick. However, the duo always decided to lay traps for the other racers - classic behaviour of an evil genius... and his dog. 
Failing to ever come first, Dastardly and Muttley have most probably had you shouting at the TV to get a move on and stop messing around with booby traps. Because no one wants the nauseating Peter Perfect to win really. 

The White Witch
Beautiful, regal and a big fan of winter, the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe initially comes across as a likeable character in C. S. Lewis' novel. She offers Edmund a hot drink and Turkish delight in an effort to win him over, but it soon becomes apparent her motives aren't all above board.
The White Witch's merciless command over her army of creatures is chillingly impressive and makes the final battle all the more tense. A fitting enemy, the White Witch is the perfect antithesis for Aslan's pure goodness.

Scar 
You might not know this, but The Lion King is actually based on a Shakespearean play - Hamlet. In the Disney story, Scar (brilliantly voiced by Jeremy Irons) plays the cruel uncle who murders the hero's father and exiles the son. Extremely hard to side with him based on this information.
However, Irons' natural bassy drawl gives Scar an air of sophistication and you'll find yourself siding with him in his contempt for the quite frankly annoying Zazu. In fact, some would argue it would benefit the story greatly if he just ate the bird at the beginning of the story.

So there you have it, the top five villains that make stories great. If you want to see another irrepressible villain lighting up the stage, The Stafford Festival Shakespeare's Othello is running between June 23-July 9, 2016. For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk/en-GB/shows/othello/info. 

Five Words We Owe to William Shakespeare

Five words we owe to William Shakespeare




It's a given that one of your main woes as a teenager was trying to understand the Shakespearean language. As contemporary English language speakers, it can be difficult to get our head around Shakespeare's terms. That being said, you might be surprised to know that many of the words and phrases we use today originated from Shakespeare's plays.

Here, Derrick Gask, artistic programme manager, shares his top five words and expressions that originated from the Bard himself.


Break the ice

Not many people know that the phrase break the ice was first used to describe a social gesture in one of Shakespeare's plays. In The Taming of the Shrew, Tranio says that Petruchio needs to break the ice with Katherina before he can woo her.

Shakespeare chose this particular phrase because Katherina's character was cold and hard to crack. Petruchio needed to break through the ice to reach Katherina's heart. In the end, Petruchio's plan worked and the two married towards the end of the play.

The meaning of this phrase hasn't changed much compared to how we use it today, although it is no longer used in connotation with a person's character. If you break the ice in a room, you remove any tension, so everyone feels comfortable getting to know each other.


Mum's the word

This phrase is commonly used when someone is staying quiet. It originated from Shakespeare's 1592 play, Henry VI, part 2. When the Duke's servant, Hume is paid to help Eleanor find a witch, he tells the audience, "seal up your lips and give no words but mum."

This is because the audience is already aware that Cardinal and Suffolk have paid him to kill the Duke's wife. Today, mum's the word is commonly used when a person is sworn to secrecy.


Swagger

The word swagger was first used in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The first definition of the word is behaving in an insolent or arrogant manner. If someone has swagger, they display dominance over others, which has some relevance to how the word is used today.

Today, the word swagger is often used to describe someone who is well dressed and displays an often unfounded level of confidence.


Wild goose chase

The phrase wild goose chase first appeared in Romeo and Juliet, in 1592. Our understanding of the term today differs to Shakespeare's. Back then the meaning waws more literal and a wild goose chase was a chase in which horses followed a lead horse at a set distance, mimicking wild geese flying in formation.

Nowadays, the phrase refers to the undertaking of a task that will probably prove to be pointless.


Green-eyed monster

The notion that jealousy has green-eyes is probably older than Shakespeare, but it first appeared in print in his 1604 play, Othello.

Throughout the play, the most obvious jealousy is portrayed by Othello. As the play progresses, Othello grows increasingly jealous towards Cassio and Desdemona. During the play, Iago warns Othello that his jealousy is dangerous, by saying, "O beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on."

One of the best ways to make sense of the Shakespearean language is to watch modern iterations of his plays, such as the ones Stafford Gatehouse Theatre organises every year during Stafford Festival Shakespeare.


From June 23 to July 9, 2016, Stafford Festival Shakespeare will be showing its own production of Othello at Stafford Castle. If your friends and family have already purchased tickets, don’t be jealous, you can still get yours today.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.com/ or by calling Stafford Gatehouse Theatre's box office on 01785 619080.

Setting revealed for new Shakespeare production

The creative team behind our new production of Othello at Stafford Castle this summer have revealed more about the setting of the show.

Director Clare Prenton’s production of Othello will be set in the Italy and Cyprus of the mid 1950’s with an elegant and filmic design by BAFTA Scotland nominated film and theatre designer Francis Collier and music by Craig Adams. Craig is already known to Stafford audiences as the Musical Director of the last five Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantomimes at the Gatehouse.

Othello Director Clare Prenton

Prenton’s collaboration with Gatehouse regular composer / arranger Craig Adams will explore Shakespeare’s music of the 1950s in both Italy and Cyprus contrasting the freedom and hedonism of the Venice with the claustrophobia of the military camp in Cyprus where Othello’s love for his new bride Desdemona is put under the microscope of jealous his supposed ‘true’ friend, the Machiavellian Iago whose lies set in motion a chain reaction of tragic events.

Clare Prenton who began her directing career at Regents Park Open Air Theatre as an assistant and who has directed open air Shakespeare productions for The British Shakespeare Company The RJ Williamson Company and Cambridge Shakespeare Festival is delighted to be back in the open air but this time with a tragedy.

She commented “I am really excited to have put this award winning team together. I have worked with Frances in Scotland and Craig in London, so for me to collaborate with these two talents in Staffordshire, is exciting. The opportunity to direct this might piece of work in such a wonderful setting is a privilege”

Clare, who was born and raised in Liverpool, but is now based in Scotland, is also delighted that friends and family plus her old English Literature teachers from the North West can come to see the play. “One of my first ever professional theatre jobs was directing a youth theatre workshop for the Young Vic Theatre in Staffordshire and the then Artistic Director Peter Cheeseman gave me some wonderful advice as a young director starting out 16 years or so ago, so it’s wonderful to be back in the area. Plus my children (they are only 6 and 9) are looking forward to its proximity to Alton Towers and the Monkey Forest once the show is up and running!” Prenton concluded.

Tickets for Othello are on sale now and can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting the website www.staffordshakespeare.com.

The show will run at Stafford Castle from Thursday 23rd June until Saturday 9th July 2016.