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The Herbal Bed

By Peter Whelan
‘it gets a production to match its filigree delicacy in James Dacre’s revival which is so beautifully designed by Jonathan Fensom that you can almost smell the herbs in the garden.’ The Guardian
‘James Dacre's revival – in this strongly cast co-production with English Touring Theatre and the Rose, Kingston – comes across as a luminous labour of love. ’ The Independent
‘The acting, too, is taut. Jonathan Guy Lewis as Susanna’s husband is torn between God and his wife. Michael Mears, the church inquisitor, is a cadaverous ideologue, and Philip Correia smoulders guiltily as the lover.’ Mail On Sunday

"I have always wanted that which I cannot have."

Based upon real events from Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer of 1613, The Herbal Bed is an emotional thriller recounting the public trial of Shakespeare’s daughter. Accused of adultery with her neighbour, Susanna and her husband fall under the glare of intense public scrutiny as they sue her accuser for slander

A powerful exposé of the contradiction between human desire and social convention which seeks to repress it, Peter Whelan’s moving and uplifting play provides a beautiful evocation of life in Shakespearian England. It was first produced to great acclaim by the Royal Shakespeare Company before transferring to the West End and Broadway.

 


A co-production with Royal and Derngate and Rose Theatre Kingston

Production Gallery

© Mark Douet

Dates

Royal & Derngate, Northampton

5 - 27 Feb 2016

Cambridge Arts Theatre

1 Mar 2016 - 5 Mar 2020

Liverpool Playhouse

15 - 19 Mar 2016

Northcott Theatre Exeter

22 - 26 Mar 2016

Theatre Royal Brighton Brighton

30 Mar - 2 Apr 2016

The Lowry Salford Quays

12 - 16 Apr 2016

Theatre Royal Bath Bath

19 - 23 Apr 2016

Oxford Playhouse Oxford

19 - 23 Apr 2016

Rose Theatre, Kingston Kingston

26 Apr - 7 May 2016

Rehearsal Gallery

© Mark Douet
THE HERBAL BED by PETER WHELAN, A co-production with ETT, Royal and Derngate and Rose Theatre Kingston Director James Dacre Writer Peter Whelan Designer Jonathan Fensom Lighting Designer Malcolm Rippeth Sound Designer Becky Smith Composer Valgeir Sigurðsson Casting Directors Gemma Hancock and Sam Stevenson Staff Director Jesse Jones Dialect Coach Charmian Hoare Production Photographer Mark Douet Cast Rafe Smith Philip Correia Bishop Parry Patrick Driver John Hall Jonathan Guy Lewis Susanna Hall Emma Lowndes Barnabus Goche Michael Mears Hester Fletcher Charlotte Wakefield Jack Lane Matt Whitchurch

Videos

Creative Team

Written by

Peter Whelan

Director

James Dacre

Designer

Jonathan Fensom

Lighting Designer

Malcolm Rippeth

Composer

Valgeir Sigurðsson

Sound Designer

Becky Smith

Casting Director

Gemma Hancock

Casting Director

Sam Stevenson

Staff Director

Jesse Jones

Dialect Coach

Charmian Hoare

Fight Director

Terry King

Production Photographer

Mark Douet

Cast

Rafe Smith

Philip Correia

Bishop Parry

Patrick Driver

John Hall

Jonathan Guy Lewis

Susanna Hall

Emma Lowndes

Barnabus Goche

Michael Mears

Hester Fletcher

Charlotte Wakefield

Jack Lane

Matt Whitchurch