Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is set to become a stage for Shakespearean celebration this May, as actress, author, and poetry champion Allie Esiri presents a live performance inspired by her bestselling anthology, Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year. On Sunday, May 25th, a host of acclaimed theatre and film actors will gather to bring the Bard's words to vibrant life.
The stellar cast includes Damian Lewis (Homeland), Tony Robinson (Blackadder), Olivia Williams (The Crown), James Phoon (Bridgerton), Indira Varma (Game of Thrones, Mission Impossible), Hugh Ross (Outlander, Patriot Games), Kate Fleetwood (Harry Potter, Harlots), Danny Sapani (Killing Eve, Black Panther), Samantha Spiro (Sex Education), and Susan Wokoma. Esiri and her distinguished guests will guide the audience through a curated selection of Shakespearean poetry, speeches, and scenes, encompassing both well-loved classics and hidden gems.
The evening promises a unique connection to Shakespeare and the venue itself. Regent's Park Open Air Theatre holds a special significance for some of the performers, with Damian Lewis having previously played Hamlet there, and Samantha Spiro receiving acclaim (and an Olivier Award) for her role as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. This live event offers a blend of performance, poetry, laughter, wisdom, and wit, all under the open sky.
Allie Esiri's Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year has been a publishing success, providing a daily dose of Shakespeare through 365 carefully chosen extracts from his plays, each accompanied by Esiri's insightful commentary. Esiri's passion for poetry is evident in her extensive body of work, which includes ten popular anthologies, such as A Poem for Every Day of the Year and 365 Poems for Life. Her work has been credited with igniting a renewed interest in poetry across the UK.
Signed copies of Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year and A Poem for Every Day of the Year will be available for purchase at the event. Audiences are advised to check the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre website for any updates to the cast lineup, as actor appearances are subject to availability. This one-night-only event offers a unique opportunity to experience Shakespeare's enduring legacy in a fresh and engaging way, performed by a cast of Britain's finest acting talent.
