Daniel Taylor Productions’ double-bill of 2 classic Shakespeare plays at The Epstein Theatre Liverpool has just opened to rave professional and audience reviews and daily performances are running until Saturday 21 April.
Critics praised the fresh take on a classic story, and the high calibre of performances all round, while audiences expressed their wonder at the immersive quality of the production and noted the benefit to young audiences studying the Bard’s work.
Daniel Taylor’s critically acclaimed, immersive production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns by popular demand, alongside a new adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, set in 1880s strife torn Protestant and Catholic Liverpool.
The plays, which opened at the Hanover Street venue on Wednesday 11 April, form part of an ambitious, fully immersive, alternating repertoire, which sees the cast perform the two plays back to back in the same day.
Produced and directed by Blood Brothers and West End star Daniel Taylor, this ten-day run of Shakespeare’s most-loved plays offers a fresh and immersive experience, with settings chosen to resonate with modern audiences and appeal in particular to newcomers to Shakespeare’s work.
The full cast of local, home-grown talent includes: James Ledsham; Faye Griffiths; Danny Taylor; James Templeton; Fra Gunn; Sharon Byatt; Chloé Taylor; John Schumacher; Lucy Litchfield; Lenny Wood; Nick Wymer; Tim Lucas; Sam Donovan; Neville Cann; and Isaac Lancel-Watkinson.
Relocating Shakespeare’s classic from fair Verona to 1880s Liverpool, Trisha Duffy’s adaptation of Romeo & Juliet explores the destructive impact of religious sectarianism close to home. In this adaptation, two star-crossed lovers are caught between their feuding noble families, the Catholic Montagues and Protestant Capulets, resulting in tragic consequences. Passionate young love and the destructive impact of divided communities are prominent themes in this fresh adaptation of what is widely regarded as the greatest love story of all time.
The Epstein’s first ever production of a Shakespeare play, which also saw Daniel in his first directorial role, Daniel Taylor Productions’ 2017 A Midsummer Night’s Dream, received rave reviews and engaged audiences of all ages. Adapted by Helen Jeffrey, this production is high energy and laugh-out-loud, Shakespeare’s effervescent comedy with all the vitality of its earliest performances.
Producer Daniel Taylor said: “We have been absolutely delighted with the response from the public, the feedback to both productions has been truly wonderful. We have such a strong cast, they are all incredibly talented and I am so proud of each and every one of them!
“Both shows offer something different and each have a new twist to appeal to a modern audience, young and old. So, whether you’re a seasoned Shakespeare lover, or a first-timer, this repertoire really does offer something for all.”
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-OchaGCfpQ
What The Critics Say:
North West End ★★★★
“This was an enjoyable production… with strong performances from cast members. Donovan’s Mancunian apothecary was laugh-out-loud funny; Templeton’s good humour is infectious; Wood’s Mercutio captured all aspects of an entertaining albeit complex character.”
(Romeo and Juliet)
The Chester Blog
“This 2-and-a-half-hour production is an accessible piece of ‘Scouse Shakespeare’ If you haven’t been to the Epstein theatre before give it a go”
(Romeo and Juliet)
Liverpool Sound and Vision ★★★★
“Once more Daniel Taylor brings Shakespeare to a new point of overwhelming enjoyment.”
(A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Wirral Globe ★★★★
“Here we have the type of fresh adaptation I wish had been on offer when I was at school.”
(A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Catherine Jones, Arts City Liverpool ★★★★
“Whether you’re a seasoned Shakespeare fan or a first time audience member, this Dream is one you’ll be happy to remember when you wake up in the morning.”
(A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
LISTING INFORMATION:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Romeo and Juliet
PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
Wednesday 18 April: 1.30pm Romeo and Juliet /7.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Thursday 19 April: 1.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream /7.30pm Romeo and Juliet
Friday 20 April: 7.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Saturday 21 April: 1.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream /7.30pm Romeo and Juliet (post show Q&A)
TICKET PRICES:
£16 Matinee Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday
£18 Evening Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday
£16 Matinee Friday
£21 Evening Friday
£19 Matinee Saturday
£21 Evening Saturday
£26 Two Show Off Peak Ticket
£32 Two Show Peak Ticket
School Workshop plus Ticket £20 and 1 in 10 go free
School group booking 1 in 10 go free
Venue Details
The Epstein Theatre
Hanover House
85 Hanover Street
Liverpool
L1 3DZ
To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk * or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 12pm – 6pm Monday – Saturday.
*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy
For more details check out www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk and join our mailing list. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre and twitter @EpsteinTheatre.
Categories: News
