Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
Wild worlds, fractured loves, and second chances come to life in a thrilling reimagining of Shakespeare’s most mysterious play, The Winter’s Tale. Under the masterful direction of Yaël Farber, this production delivers an outstandingly imagined play that explores the depths of human emotion and resilience.
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| Madeline Appiah (centre) as Hermione. Photo by Marc Brenner |
Farber's vision manages to tie together this challenging play. Unifying the two halves with great clarity. The play can notoriously feel like two plays stuck together, but Farber's work here makes for one linear production that is compelling to watch.
Set against the backdrop of a shadowy dystopia in Sicilia to the untamed beauty of Bohemia, the narrative unfolds as King Leontes’ obsessive jealousy spirals into a tragic series of events. The emotional journey toward healing, fueled by time and the hope of forgiveness, grips the audience from the very first scene.
The plot unfolds as Polixenes, King of Bohemia, visits Leontes and Queen Hermione. The unraveling of trust leads to tragic misunderstandings, with Camillo’s loyalty shining as he warns Polixenes of Leontes’ destructive jealousy. The narrative portrays the grim consequences of Leontes’ accusations—including the heart-wrenching abandonment of Hermione's newborn daughter. Antigonus, ordered to leave the baby on a desert shore, ultimately meets a gruesome fate at the hands of a bear, bringing an edge of danger to the storytelling.
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| Matthew Flynn as Antigonus. Photo by Marc Brenner |
Fast forward 16 years, and we find Perdita, raised by an old shepherd and his clownish son, caught in a tender romance with Prince Florizel. Their love story, set against the backdrop of disguise and class struggle, underscores the play’s core theme: love perseveres despite adversity. As the truth gradually unravels, audiences are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that culminates in a revelatory climax—where lost identities are found, and hope reignites.
The assembled cast is sublime. Bertie Carvel's Leontes brilliantly captures the internal struggle and the emotional journey the character goes through. An outstanding Madeline Appiah shines as Hermione. She showcases mighty work as she is wrongly accused. Her work is at the emotional core of the feeling and elevates the moving climax.
Trevor Fox has stepped into the role of Time/Autolycus and brings a real sense of the elemental and mystery to the play. Whilst Aïcha Kossoko is compelling as Paulina, her unwavering support of Hermione never cracks. Leah Haile is a wonderful Perdita, emotive and touching as she strikes the bonds with Lewis Bowes's Prince Florizel.
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| Bertie Carvel as Leontes and Raphael Sowole as Camillo. Photo by Marc Brenner |
The elemental set and costume design by Soutra Gilmour, coupled with Tim Lutkin’s striking lighting, create a cinematic atmosphere that draws the audience into the heart of the story. There's a magical atmosphere to the darkness of the staging. Each element meticulously enhances the narrative, making the experience unforgettable from a visual perspective. The front of the stage is surrounded by water; there are two revolves, a fire pit, and a huge moon. Largely, though, the dark dystopian theme is carried throughout.
Max Perryment's score further embellishes the piece; it underscores the drama, tragedy, and emotion superbly throughout the entire 2 and a half hour run time. The five musicians, some of whom are on stage, bring to the life the music excellently. Dan Balfour's sound design blends the music with the company's work. Some of the company's work can be occasionally lost in the speed or balance of the delivery.
In moments of darkness and uncertainty, The Winter's Tale emerges as a beacon of light. This version is a touching reminder that love and the potential for redemption endures. Farber's new captivating production will enchant audiences this summer with a tale that promises both an introspective journey and a visually stunning portrayal of Shakespeare's enduring legacy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Winter's Tale plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon until Saturday 30th August. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-winters-tale/
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| Leah Haile as Perdita and Lewis Bowes as Prince Florizel. Photo by Marc Brenner. |
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