Abingdon Drama Club’s excellent production of Stoppard’s classic Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Stoppard’s classic is performed in the ancient and atmospheric Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon. Directed by Terry Atkinson, with a short run Wednesday 17th to Saturday 20th April 2024.
Acclaimed as a modern dramatic masterpiece and Tom Stoppard’s best known work, the absurdist tragicomedy gives us much more than skin-deep laughs.
It relates the story of two minor characters from Shakespeare’s classic, Hamlet – the courtiers Rosencrantz (Kieran Madden) and Guildenstern (Chris Bedford) plus the Player (Michael Ward) and the Tragedians (Darren Fellerdale, Richard Wilson, Geraldine Hodson, Laura King, Erin Sanders and Dave Fardon).
Abingdon Drama Club’s excellent production of Stoppard’s classic is performed in the ancient and atmospheric Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon, and directed by Terry Atkinson.
The action takes place mainly “in the wings” of Hamlet, with brief appearances of the major characters who perform fragments of the original’s scenes.
Between various episodes, our two main characters voice their confusion at the progress of events taking place onstage without them in Hamlet, of which they have no direct knowledge. Stoppard has managed to make the futility of their actions drive the plot.
There is something for everyone in ADC’s production – from the philosophical meanderings of Guildenstern, to the wonderful slapstick scenes throughout the show.
Director, Terry Atkinson confides,
“I love both the main characters – Guildenstern is the cynic, whereas Rosencrantz is more innocent and wider-eyed about the world”.
“I love comedy and a challenge. Comedy, I find, is more difficult to direct than straight dramatic theatre. It’s a cracking idea, to create a play out of two very minor characters in Hamlet.
I love the surrealist humour brought by Stoppard. It’s a fast-paced show with, in my opinion, some of the best dialogue ever put on a stage.”
Terry is one of ADC’s most prolific members. He’s presently their chairman and his long list of credits include directing ‘Allo ‘Allo and playing the starring role in Shakespeare’s Henry V.
The play was first staged at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1966.
ADC’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead has it all – irony, tragedy and of course…laughs.
Play Details
Where: Unicorn Theatre Abingdon, Medieval Abbey Buildings, Checker Walk, Abingdon OX14 3JB
When: Wednesday 17th – Saturday 20th April 2024 at 7.30pm
Tickets: £12, £10 concessions (60+, Under 12s, students, ADC members)
Group Bookings: Groups of 10 and over – All tickets £10 (£10.60 when booked online – just select the concession rate ticket and choose the number you require). Please let us know if you have any problems with your booking
Tickets available from:
The Bookstore, The Abingdon Precinct (15 Bury Street), Abingdon or online at Website: www.abingdon-drama-club.com
Interview with Director Terry Atkinson
Where and when did you first see the play?
I first saw the play in 2003 at the Oxford Playhouse
Why did you want to direct it?
I love comedy and a challenge. Comedy, I find, is more challenging to direct than straight dramatic theatre. It’s a cracking idea, to create a play out of two very minor characters in Hamlet. I love the surrealist humour brought by Stoppard.
Are there any characters you can empathise with?
Both Rosencrantz and Guildenstern at different times in the story. Guildenstern is the cynic, whereas Rosencrantz is more innocent and wider eyed about the world.
Was the play easy to cast?
Not the easiest. The crux of it comes down to the chemistry of the actors. After a very long audition, I found my team.
Are there any unusual challenges in this production?
There’s an amazing amount of dialogue in the play with little set to use. The challenge is getting the best out of the space, that will in turn, help the cast to achieve its best.
Any other information you wish to tell us?
It’s a fast-paced show with, in my opinion, some of the best dialogue ever put on a stage.
Who is Tom Stoppard
Tom Stoppard is a Czech-born British playwright and screenwriter known for his clever, witty, and intellectually stimulating works. He has written numerous plays, including “Arcadia,” “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” and “The Real Thing,” as well as screenplays such as “Shakespeare in Love” and “Anna Karenina.” Stoppard is highly regarded in the world of theatre and has won multiple awards for his writing.
