British theatre company based in Stratford-upon-Avon, staging Shakespeare and new work
The Royal Shakespeare Company has opened The Mad King, a Game of Thrones prequel, in Stratford-upon-Avon. The 3h45m production brings younger versions of familiar figures to the stage with a 36-strong cast and innovative puppetry. Reviews are mixed on pace and poetry, but the project aims to broaden GoT’s reach beyond devoted fans.
The Royal Shakespeare Company has postponed the new Othello at the Swan Theatre after Sharon Clarke, who was set to star, begins treatment for cancer. Tickets will be refunded and a replacement production is planned for early 2027. Clarke, known for Holby City and her stage work, remains positive and supported by her team.
Haverfordwest Castle in Pembrokeshire is closed for restoration until 2028, with grounds to host open-air events for 500 people. The project aims to drive regeneration, expand biodiversity, and provide a school programme and volunteering opportunities. Pembrokeshire Council expects around 63,000 visitors in the first year.
The Guardian and The Scotsman analyze the evolving role of culture and arts funding in the UK. They highlight investments like Freelands’ £1.5m over five years to nurture art education and warn that cutting arts education infrastructure risks undermining community renewal and creative opportunity.
The 70th London Film Festival has opened with Simon Stone’s biographical drama Elsinore, starring Olivia Colman and Andrew Scott, about Ian Charleson’s final Hamlet performance. The director has discussed Day-Lewis’s reaction to revisiting the exit from the 1989 production. The festival runs for 12 days, featuring world premieres and a roster of international talent.