Suffolk theatre company takes new performance to London stage
A theatrical Community Interest Company (CIC) founded in Suffolk is taking its latest star-studded production to London later this month.
Starring Juliet Stephenson (Truly Madly Deeply, Riviera), Alex Jennings (The Crown, Wolf Hall) and Suffolk newcomer Xander Ridge, SHAKE is presenting a rehearsed reading of ‘The Scapegoat’ at The Tabernacle in London on January 22.
This brilliant, hilarious and slightly shocking new biography from Lucy Hughes-Hallett, describes the strange and glittering life of the 1st Duke of Buckingham – the self-described "lover" of England’s James I who became known as not only the handsomest man in England, but also the most powerful after the king himself.
Handsome George Villiers first caught the eye of the king in 1614, aged just 21. Known for his charm and political skill, he quickly became a favourite on whom the king lavished affection and patronage, advancing rapidly through the ranks of the nobility and becoming Duke of Buckingham in 1623.
For this performance, his story has been abridged by Hughes-Hallett herself with a focus on the ‘The Flight to Spain’ – his madcap ride across Europe with Charles I, with both using fake names and disguises.
The reading is directed by Jenny Hall, founder and artistic director of SHAKE.
She says: “Working with these two extraordinary actors, on this brilliant material is like a dream. In line with SHAKE’s East Anglian identity, our three cast members have personal ties to the area, and I’m delighted to introduce a talented young actor from Suffolk, Xander Ridge, as our third reader.”
The charitable CIC started life at The Cut in Halesworth in 2019, with the aim of sharing the magic of Shakespeare and wider verse-speaking skills through a variety of readings and performances.
The company produced live-streamed readings of Shakespeare during the pandemic lockdowns, including an acclaimed Midsummer Night’s Dream starring Dan Stevens and Rebecca Hall, and The Tempest starring Geraldine James as Prospero alongside a substantial number of Suffolk performers.
SHAKE also produces weekend festivals of Shakespeare and has a flourishing programme of community outreach in Suffolk.
To book tickets for ‘The Scapegoat’ at The Tabernacle in London W11 on January 22, visit the BOX OFFICE.
To learn more about SHAKE, visit their website at shakefestival.com.