Sharon Jennings tells us about her latest productionWill's Will (9th-11th Aug 9.30pm)
Previous open air performance This year in the 400th anniversary year of Shakespeare's death Fentiman Productions return to The Bread & Roses Theatre with a show unlike any other, inspired by the Bard's very own last will and testament.
How did you come up with the concept for Will’s Will?
As is well known, Shakespeare's will is one of the very few documents that we know really is by him. I thought it would be fun to see what he left to whom, and to combine that with the celebration of what he left to the world in his plays and poems. I also wanted to consider the huge legacy he left to the world.
How much Shakespeare is in it and how much Jennings?
Much of the piece is 'knitted together' quotes from the plays and poems. The parts I wrote myself are in a sort of quasi-Shakespearean language so you can't see the join.
Where has this show been staged before and what were audience reactions like?
A charity I'm associated with commissioned me to write a topical play for their annual garden party, and this is what I came up with. We performed it on 12 July this year. The audience was very enthusiastic. Shakespeare buffs were happily identifying the quotes and characters; others enjoyed the drama and comedy.
How did you come up with the concept for Will’s Will?
As is well known, Shakespeare's will is one of the very few documents that we know really is by him. I thought it would be fun to see what he left to whom, and to combine that with the celebration of what he left to the world in his plays and poems. I also wanted to consider the huge legacy he left to the world.
How much Shakespeare is in it and how much Jennings?
Much of the piece is 'knitted together' quotes from the plays and poems. The parts I wrote myself are in a sort of quasi-Shakespearean language so you can't see the join.
Where has this show been staged before and what were audience reactions like?
A charity I'm associated with commissioned me to write a topical play for their annual garden party, and this is what I came up with. We performed it on 12 July this year. The audience was very enthusiastic. Shakespeare buffs were happily identifying the quotes and characters; others enjoyed the drama and comedy.
Previous open air performance What’s been the biggest challenge in bringing Will’s Will to the stage?
The most challenging aspect has been for the actors. They're all playing several parts: members of the Shakespeare family, his friends, as well as characters from the plays. It was difficult to learn! But they've done an amazing job.
What can we most look forward to from the production?
I hope you will find the play amusing, thought-provoking and dramatic by turns, even if you aren't very familiar with the Bard. I'm very happy to be bringing it to the wonderful Bread and Roses.
Wills Will runs 9th to 11th August at 9.30pm.
The most challenging aspect has been for the actors. They're all playing several parts: members of the Shakespeare family, his friends, as well as characters from the plays. It was difficult to learn! But they've done an amazing job.
What can we most look forward to from the production?
I hope you will find the play amusing, thought-provoking and dramatic by turns, even if you aren't very familiar with the Bard. I'm very happy to be bringing it to the wonderful Bread and Roses.
Wills Will runs 9th to 11th August at 9.30pm.
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