Cymbeline Tickets

This October, audiences will be able to witness a new production of Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline” as it takes to the stage of the Arts Theatre under the watch of the National Youth Theatre.

It is a tale of tragedy, envy and lost innocence that has been enjoyed by audiences since it was first staged in 1611 and subsequently published in the “First Folio” of 1623. Since these dates, it has been seen frequently on stages around the world, with many notable productions appearing over the centuries, including a 2001 production at Shakespeare’s (then-new) Globe Theatre. Like many of Shakespeare’s plays, it is well known, though it is yet to be seen in a major adaptation for the screen.

To tell the story of “Cymbeline”, Shakespeare transported audiences back to the time of the early Celtic King Cunobelinus, an English ruler that watched over the country in the early years of its existence. We are introduced to the character of Imogen, who has recently become married to her childhood sweetheart Posthumus. However, through fear of people’s reactions, she has kept the marriage secret from those around her. This works until word gets to her father, King Cymbeline and he banishes Posthumus from their kingdom.

It is Posthumus’s exile that sets the events of the play in motion, as he becomes convinced that Imogen has been unfaithful during his absence, calling upon his friend Pisanio to take her life. However, rather than carry out the murder, Pisianio warns Imogen of the plot and she subsequently escapes from the kingdom and arrives in England disguised as a boy. It is in this country that Imogen makes a startling discovery.

Shakespeare’s romance has been regularly redefined over the years, with some regarding it as one of his classic tragedies alongside the likes of “Hamlet” rather than love stories like “Romeo & Juliet”. As a romance, it is seen to inhabit many of the regular themes of envy and innocence that appear in many of his works, from “Measure for Measure” to “Othello”, though its status as a classic has remained unscathed.

“Cymbeline” will be directed for the stage by Brendan O’Hea for the National Youth Theatre, who has worked extensively as an actor for the stage and the screen. His theatre credits include “All’s Well That Ends Well” and “A Little Night Music”, whilst he has also been seen in movies like “Quantum of Solace” and “Death at a Funeral”, as well as television shows such as “Lead Balloon”.

He brings the National Youth Theatre’s production of “Cymbeline” to the Arts Theatre from Thursday 8th October 2009 until Saturday 24th October 2009.