Working with groups in Bradford as part of our Shakespeare Nation.
Our Shakespeare Nation work in Bradford happens through our Regional Theatre Partner, The Alhambra Theatre. The Alhambra programmes a variety of touring shows, as well as being home to Yorkshire's largest panto.
Henry VI: Rebellion
74 adults from Blackpool, Bradford, Canterbury, Cornwall, Norwich and Nottingham appeared alongside the professional cast in 2022's Henry VI: Rebellion. They played the roles of working people who take part in the rebellion led by the character of Jack Cade against Henry VI, and townsfolk in a scene where Henry VI is out hunting.
Initially they rehearsed in their local theatres before taking to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage from April 2022, with each group appearing in around four performances.
All of Bradford's a Stage
As part of the Shakespeare Nation partnership, the group produced a film showing people across the city performing the "All the world's a stage" speech from As You Like It, in languages ranging from English to Wolof.
Participants had the chance to take part in online workshops with RSC voice coach Michael Corbidge before filming their speeches. This follows on from the film produced by last year's group, Shakespeare by Candlelight, where they individually performed around a flame as part of the Signal Fires storytelling project.
The Shakespeare Nation adult engagement work is generously supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
The Oakley Charitable Trust: Supporting the involvement of Next Generation Act and Shakespeare Nation in Henry VI: Rebellion