With Exeter Northcott‘s recent acquisition of the Barnfield Theatre, there’s already a great line-up of new shows, acts and more for the central Exeter venue, after its recent smart update, and today we’ve got details of a new show you have to get tickets for!

The upcoming radical re-interpretation of Shakespeare’s Richard The Second, by South West-based Tangle theatre company, are performing on 28 October, get your tickets here, and their approach sounds fascinating, as they’ll perform it in a Southern African Township theatre style.

Tangle re-imagine Shakespeare’s study of royal intrigue through a Southern African township lens. Instead of stage lighting, actors use ‘practical lighting’, such as candles, lamps and televisions. Actors can also perform in multiple languages and are accompanied by A Capella and live Zimbabwean music.

Produced in association with MAST Mayflower Studios, and adapted and directed by Tangle Artistic Director Anna Coombs, the production of Richard the Second – Shakespeare’s historical drama exploring the politics of power and family alliances – has been adapted for a multi-skilled ensemble of five actors, with three actors playing multiple characters across the show.

Aumerle will be played by South African actor and director Lebogang Fisher, while Richard will be portrayed by 2021 LAMDA graduate Daniel Rock, in his professional stage debut. Sharing the roles of Henry & Scroop is Antiguan-born actor Raheim Menzies; Mowbray, York, Gardener will be played by the Eswatini/South African veteran Sibusiso Mamba; and Gaunt, Northumberland and Gardener, by Courtney Winston.

With an original score of Zimbabwean music and song composed by John Pfumojena; sound design by double BBT award winner Tony Gayle; set & costume design by Colin Falconer; and lighting design by Hansjorg Schmidt, this new production offers a fast, powerful and fresh take on this state of the nation play, while celebrating talented artists whose multi-national voices are at the centre of Tangle’s work.

Anna Coombs, Artistic Director of Tangle, had this to say:

“We are excited to be presenting Richard The Second to audiences this autumn. I have always loved this play. Its power dynamics reflect so neatly our current situation, not only in this country but in communities across the world. Tangle’s production offers a fresh contemporary reflection on the state of our nation and will also celebrate the excellence of globally talented artists whose multi-national voices are at the centre of the work. We are thrilled to have support from MAST Mayflower Studios, enabling us to deepen engagement with audiences in Southampton, South West England and nationally. I hope that this extraordinary story about the politics of power will inspire audiences of all ages, stages, cultures and backgrounds.”

The production opens at MAST on Thu 20 October 2022, tour venues across South West England from 20 October to 5 November, and run for 3 weeks at the Omnibus Theatre in London from 9 – 27 November.

Get your tickets by clicking here!