Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

by Tom Stoppard
directed by Matt Beresford

The curtain opens on two Elizabethans spinning coins. We're not sure who they are, where they are or even when they are....but then again, neither are they!

Stoppard's opening scene sets the tone of this extraordinary play. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead takes place in the 'wings' of Hamlet and finds comedy, poignancy, poetry (and a little philosophy!) in the situation of the doomed attendant lords.

It certainly offers something for everyone. Those who know Hamlet will enjoy seeing it from a different angle, as Ros and Guil grapple with their instructions and try to keep pace with events. Fans of Beckett will appreciate the parallels with Godot, whilst amateur philosophers will love Ros and Guil's contemplation of life's inconsistencies and curiosities.

For those who enjoy reflecting on where reality stops and illusion begins, or questioning the boundary between actor and audience, Stoppard certainly doesn't disappoint. Most of all, if you enjoy circular arguments, cross-talk, absurdity, misunderstandings, bickering, comedy, farce and a bit of bawdiness, you'll love the first play of the RSS 2010 season.

I have an excellent RSS stalwart (Ben Best) and a terrific new talent (Patrick Toms) in the title roles. Both have risen brilliantly to the challenge of these enormous and complex parts. Derek Stringer supports as a fantastic Player - sardonic, acerbic and indomitable. They are joined by a group of fine Shakespearean actors and a group of comic travelling Tragedians to complete the ensemble. We hope you can join us!

Saturday 30th January to Saturday 6th February 2010
Performances at 7.45p.m. except for Sunday 31st January 4p.m.
There is also a matinee at 3p.m. on Saturday 6th February. No performance Wednesday 3rd February.

Other past productions

1. A Midsummer Night’s Dream - William Shakespeare
2. A Vampire Story - Moira Buffini
3. Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass - Lewis Carroll - dramatised by Adrian Mitchell
4. The Odd Couple (female version) - Neil Simon
5. The Beauty Queen of Leenane - Martin McDonagh
6. Antony and Cleopatra - William Shakespeare
7. Gaslight - Patrick Hamilton
8. Cymbeline - William Shakespeare
9. Iron - Rona Munro
10. Confusions - Alan Ayckbourn
11. Much Ado About Nothing - William Shakespeare
12. I Hate Shakespeare - Steph DeFerie
13. Moonlight and Magnolias - Ron Hutchinson
14. Lulu - Frank Wedekind, in a version by Peter Barnes
15. Macbeth - William Shakespeare
16. Whipping It Up - Steve Thompson
17. Harvey - Mary Chase
18. Happy Days - Samuel Beckett
19. Days of Wine and Roses - Owen McCafferty
20. Henry V - William Shakespeare
21. Arabian Nights - adapted by Dominic Cooke
22. Vincent in Brixton - Nicholas Wright
23. The Real Thing - Tom Stoppard
24. Titus Andronicus - William Shakespeare
25. An Inspector Calls - J. B. Priestley

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