FeaturesWelcome to our selection of special features from past show programmes. |
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2009 |
Verona and the Legend of Romeo & JulietThe story of Romeo and Juliet is said to have its origins in 14th century Italy. Through medieval times the northern Italian regions, including the city of Verona, were regularly fought over by powerful provincial families. |
2008 |
An Actor's Masterclass with Jeremy IronsFrom a conversation backstage at the National Theatre with Felicity Norrie and Andrew Rogers, where Mr. Irons, CSC's longstanding patron, is currently playing Harold Macmillan in Never So Good, to widespread critical acclaim. |
2008 |
20th Summer Season MessagesRead some of the many messages we received for our 20th anniversary season. |
2007 |
The Restoration of the FollyDuring the Chiltern Shakespeare Company's near 20 year residency at Hall Barn the beautifully-sculpted tall yew hedge and the small Gothic Temple it embraces have come to symbolise our productions. The 'Folly' as we happily describe it, which is the focal point for our dramas, has a tale all of its own... |
2006 |
Shakespeare's Way: A Journey of ImaginationNobody knows for certain when William Shakespeare set out from Stratford-upon-Avon on his first journey to London, nor the exact route, but the Shakespeare's Way Association have devised a 146 mile path following the shortest practical route... |
2005 |
Open Air Shakespeare at Hall BarnThe Chiltern Shakespeare Company was born in Beaconsfield in 1986, the inspiration of Michael and Aviva Wiseman, who had been involved with amateur drama in the area since the 1940s. They were able to realise their dream of open-air performances through the generosity of Lord and Lady Burnham, who offered the company the use of a natural theatre area within their extensive grounds... |
2004 |
Shakespeare al Fresco: A Dream Come TrueOne person who believed strongly in the potential appeal of Shakespeare's plays to a Chiltern's audience, and to local amateur drama enthusiasts, was Michael Wiseman, a long-standing Beaconsfield resident. Both Michael and his wife Aviva loved the Bard's plays and were particularly keen on spreading their enthusiasm to the younger generations... |
2003 |
Hall Barn: The Historical BackgroundFind out about the history of Hall Barn and its creator, Edmund Waller. As a moderate, he was in trouble with both Royalists and Parliamentarians during the Civil War. He was exiled, and his inspiration for the design of the house may well have come from his association with John Evelyn in Italy and his society connections in Paris and experience of Versailles... |
2002 |
Dr. Aviva Wiseman: A TributeOur 2002 production of Love's Labour's Lost was dedicated to the memory of the Chiltern Shakespeare Company's guiding light, Dr Aviva Wiseman, who died on 2nd April 2002. |
2001 |
Comedy of Errors: Director's NoteBefore the play begins... Egeon, successful Merchant of Syracuse, became the proud father of twin boys. He and his loving wife, Æmilia, named them both Antipholus, (was that wise?) They bought another pair of baby twin boys to be servants to their sons when they all grew up, and named them both Dromio, (perhaps another error of judgement?) |
2000 |
Much Ado About Girl PowerYou may be surprised to learn that Much Ado About Nothing is not considered one of Shakespeare's mastercomedies, yet it remains one of his most enduringly popular works, and Beatrice and Benedick two of his most memorable lovers. Why? Perhaps because Much Ado is a Shakespearean rarity; a play which charms its audience with its humour and humanity, without taxing us with convoluted sub-plots... |
