Running at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre until the 15th October, before a limited run at the Barbican in London from the 31st October until the 15th December, this rarely performed play is taking centre stage. 

A story of power, romance, jealousy and a journey of love and reconciliation is brought to life by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Melly still’s production of this rarely performed Shakespeare play.

Britain is in crisis. Alienated, insular and on the brink of disaster. Can it be saved?

An ineffectual Queen Cymbeline rules over a divided dystopian Britain. Consumed with grief at the death of two of her children, Cymbeline’s judgement is clouded. When Innogen, the only living heir, marries her sweetheart Posthumus in secret, an enraged Cymbeline banishes him.

Behind the throne, a power-hungry figure plots to seize power by murdering them both.

With echoes of Brexit and questions of national identity, this new production has a very contemporary vibe about it, with many of the themes proving to be as relevant today as when Shakespeare first wrote the play.

The cast includes Gillian Bevan as Cymbeline, Bethan Cullinane as Innogen and Hiran Abeysekera as Posthumus.

The Guardian thought that: “Melly Still’s new RSC production is vigorous and inventive.” While The Telegraph commented that: “Taken in sum the production honours what this sprawling, difficult play is about: resonant acts of violence, emotional and otherwise.”

To book tickets for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre run visit: https://www.rsc.org.uk/cymbeline/, while to book tickets for the Barbican run visit: https://www.barbican.org.uk/theatre/event-detail.asp?ID=19609.