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dEFAULT THEATRE presents… Shakespeare in the Pub: HENRY IV

Default Theatre · February 25, 2025 · Leave a Comment

‘What is honour? A word.’

We are very excited to announce our next show! ‘Shakespeare in the Pub: HENRY IV‘.

The performances are on May 9th – May 10th at The Kenneth More Theatre.

Tickets are available here: https://visionrcl.org.uk/event/shakespeare-in-the-pub-henry-iv/

The curtain has fallen on a touring Shakespeare company’s final performance, but the night isn’t over. In the theatre bar, champagne flows as the crew celebrates – and inspiration strikes. Together, they transform their after-hours revelry into an impromptu production of ‘Henry IV’, fashioning a stage from their surroundings and bringing it to life using whatever (and whoever) is around them.

Drawing from both parts of William Shakespeare’s ‘Henry IV’, what unfolds is a story of power, rebellion, and redemption. At its heart is an ailing king struggling to maintain order in his realm while grappling with an even greater challenge: his own son’s rebellion. Prince Hal, more at home in taverns than court, has found a questionable mentor in the charismatic rogue John Falstaff. But when the ambitious Hotspur threatens the kingdom with civil war, Hal must finally confront his responsibilities to crown, country, and father.

As contemporary relationships mirror Shakespeare’s historic power struggles, the lines between performer and character begin to blur, and a dialogue forms between past and present.

By integrating innovative staging with Shakespeare’s original text, Shakespeare in the Pub offers a fresh perspective on timeless tales. Filled with humour and heart, this intimate performance reveals the enduring power of the Bard’s storytelling.

Directed & Adapted by: … Luke Martin

Starring: … Adele Bachmann
… Ellie Councell
… Caleb O’Brien
… Luke Martin
… Benedict Williams

With Original Music by: … Benedict Williams

Running Time: 2 Hours (including and Interval)

Contenting Warnings: Violence, Acted Alcohol Abuse, Light Crude Humour

Hamlet Research & Development Days [27th & 28th of June]

Default Theatre · August 29, 2023 ·

On the 27th and 28th of June, we held some very exciting days of research and development working on an adaptation of Hamlet.

The script has been developed by Luke Martin and across the two days, some of the new elements, as well as the conceptual ideas were examined, challenged, and explored.

Hamlet R&D
Hamlet R&D

Photos were taken by Henry Fox

As with House of Gloucester, Luke is wanting to reimagine some of the conventions of the play, as well as push some interpretations further. This Hamlet won’t be like any you’ve seen before: both an engaging story for those unfamiliar with the story, and full of exciting surprises for those who are familiar.

We would like to thank Redbridge Drama Centre for providing us with rehearsal spaces, and all the actors who attended and through themselves wholly into the world of the play.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

Hamlet Act I, Scene iv

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