The coming weekend is the big anniversary of Shakespeare’s death 400 years ago.
For those abroad, there will be special online content here (available internationally):
There is a full schedule with timings, all GMT London time that is:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/events/ehw2mb/performances/lprbj5
Richard II – David Tennant – free online on demand (international as well)
Update! the Richard II will be streamed at the BBC site linked above, the site only goes live on the 23rd (they have tested it already but check back on the 23rd). As per the site, the Richard II will be available on the site from 10.30pm (BST) on 23rd April 2016.
Among other videos and documentaries from the British Council, the BFI, The RSC, the Globe and the Hay festival the full Richard II play from the RSC with David Tennant will be available for free.
There are also unique insights into playing Shakespeare from Ian McKellen and specifically on Hamlet from Simon Russell Beale and Adrian Lester.
The Royal Opera House makes a contribution on ballet and opera inspired by Shakespeare.
TV & cinemas
The RSC and the BBC have put on a special party in Stratford, which will be broadcast on TV but also live in cinemas around the country and soon also internationally; worth keeping an eye out for this ( Sat, 23rd April 2016, 8,30pm GMT)
Shakespeare Live! From the RSC
‘From the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, hosts David Tennant and Catherine Tate are joined by Benedict Cumberbatch, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Dame Helen Mirren, Meera Syal, David Suchet, Rufus Wainwright, Tim Minchin, Gregory Porter, Joseph Fiennes, English National Opera, The Royal Ballet and Akala for a very special evening.
Together they mark the life and work of William Shakespeare on the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death. This unique event takes place in the presence of their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall and celebrates Shakespeare’s extraordinary legacy and his enduring influence on all performance art forms – from opera to jazz, dance to musicals.’
Also on TV …
All manner of special shows, like a Countryfile with Judi Dench dedicated to Shakespeare landscapes.
Re-runs of the Hollow Crown part I (adaptations of Shakespeare’s history plays Richard II, Henry IV parts 1 & 2, and Henry V) starting with Monday, the 25th of April 11pm on BBC4:
Followed next day, same time, BBC4 by Henry IV parts I and Wednesday part II, with Jeremy Irons:
and lastly, Thursday Henry V with Tom Hiddleston:
London & online later
Shakespeare’s Globe – The Complete Walk
This is a series of 37 videos made for the celebration, each dedicated to a play which will be screen outside on buildings along the Thames during the weekend and will likely be available online after.
Check the Globe Player and the related iPhone app for further details on the videos (i assume shortly they will share the information online as well)
All Shakespeare400 events this year
For a round up of most events around the celebration check this website
http://www.shakespeare400.org/
#ShakespeareMe
So what am i doing?
- watching the Winter’s Tale ballet at the Royal Opera House twice this week
- recording the ShakespeareLive! show from Stratford;
- recording the Countryfile with Judi Dench on Shakespeare
- recording the re-run of the Hollow Crown part I
- weather permitting spending the afternoon on the 23rd of April finding some of my favourite Shakespeare bits around The Complete Walk;
- evening on the 23rd http://www.lpo.org.uk/whats-on-and-tickets/4372-shakespeare400-anniversary-gala-concert.html
- 24th one of my favourite plays – Macbeth with one of my favourite actors – James McAvoy (finally! after thinking i missed out on this 🙂 )
Too much? Not really, not for me at least. The more is see and hear Shakespeare, the more i love him 🙂
Opera is Magic 