The Winter’s Tale at Shakespeare’s Globe online

If there is anything keeping a relationship intact, it’s trust. Once that crumbles, a chain reaction of discontent often ensues, leaving little legroom for recovering to pre-turbulent times. Such is the case for King Leontes of Sicilia (Will Keen). Convinced that Hermione (Priyanga Burford) has been in a full-blown affair with his childhood friend Polixenes (Oliver Ryan), the monarch loses his marbles and sparks off a whirlwind of circumstances that lead to a tragic turn of events – very Shakespearean, to say the least.      

Blanche McIntyre brings this 2018 production of The Winter’s Tale to the Globe with Keen and Burford leading the way as man and wife. The production can easily feel like two different plays in one, courtesy of its rich costume design. Juxtaposing the sinuous Grecian gowns worn by the Sicilians with the markedly gypsy attire sported by the Bohemian clan, the show gains a unique sense of time and place, as well as a freshness about it, that is not often seen in modern-day retellings.

The ability to deliver a truthful performance is a rarity, and much can be achieved when actors have done their part right. Bringing Shakespeare’s words to life with conviction can seem like a tricky feat, however, the cast, particularly Burford in her resonating role as the distressed and dignified spouse, achieve this transition from page to stage with effortless grace.  

Ghazaleh Golpira
Photo: Shakespeare’s Globe

The Winter’s Tale is on Shakespeare’s Globe YouTube from 18^th May until 31^st May 2020. For further information visit the theatre’s website here.

You can watch The Winter’s Tale here: