Production of Northern Broadsides, Britain
Performed in English with Chinese subtitles

In Beijing:
Date: 19:30 June 21(Thu), 22(Fri), 23 (Sat), 24 (Sun) 2007,
Venue: Capital Theatre, Beijing
Price：RMB580、480、380、280、180、120、80、50 (with student ID)
Tickets：65516930 or 65516906

Presented by: Milky Way Arts & Communications Co. Ltd
Supported by: the Cultural and Education Section of the British Embassy

In Shanghai:
Date: 19:30 June 27-July 1
Venue: Arts Theatre (1F, No.288 Anfu Rd.)
Price: RMB100、200、300、VIP500
For English Service: 64334546
www.china-drama.com

Please click here to read the Interview with Barrie Rutter before China tour.

Please click here to read more about the Tempest cast.

The Tempest
A ship flounders in a mighty storm stirred up by the magician, Prospero. His mortal enemies are washed ashore onto an enchanted island peopled by spirits and half monsters. Intent on exacting revenge Prospero invokes a fantastical sequence of events, the climax of which is beyond his wildest imaginings. Shakespeare's final, and arguably finest, play is rich in the very stuff of human drama - young love, brooding revenge, broad humour and touching forgiveness.

Northern Broadsides

In 1992, following years of classical work in the theatre (including a decade each with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre), Barrie Rutter formed Northern Broadsides. Fifteen years on, the ensemble has blossomed into multi-award-winning international touring company based in the historic Dean Clough Mill in Halifax, West Yorkshire of England. As well as touring extensively in the UK, the company has delighted audiences across the world, touring to India, Brazil, the USA, Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Austria and Denmark.

The Company’s repertoire consists mainly of Shakespeare and classical texts. These plays possess a timeless resonance and their universal exploration of the human condition has currency in any day and age, appealing directly to the soul, the emotions and the imagination.

Northern Broadsides are dedicated to interpreting the classics in a manner which makes what is often regarded as 'difficult' work extremely accessible. Their lively 'no frills' approach, with simple storytelling and minimal sets, has not only won the company many plaudits and awards, but enabled both established and new audiences to enjoy Shakespeare regardless of language or theatrical convention.

Northern Broadsides' work is characterised by its vitality and humour; the passion of the performers, whose acting style is far less 'mannered' than conventional theatrical productions; a refreshing ensemble style which adds wonderful coherence to the performances (the result of working with a group of actors over a period of time, in some cases many years) and precise direction which results in work of remarkable clarity.

"…here is the true, beating heart of British theatre."  - The Daily Mail, UK

“Northern Broadsides can bring Shakespeare to life as gripping, accessible theatre for today simply by making the word singing.” – Guardian

“The best Shakespeare around.” – The Independent on Sunday

“Shakespeare made plain – no frills and perspicuous…delivered straight from a simple, undivided heart.” – The Observer

“The raw simplicity of Rutter’s approach gives his production energy and drive.” - The Sunday Times

Awards

2006  Honorary Doctorate from the University of Huddersfield to Barrie Rutter for his outstanding achievement with Northern Broadsides Theatre Company

2005  Honorary Doctorate from University of Bradford awarded to Barrie Rutter for his distinctive contribution as founder and director of Northern Broadsides.

2003  Shakespeare's Globe Sam Wanamaker Award to Barrie Rutter for his productions of Shakespeare.

2001  Honorary Doctorate from University of Hull awarded to Barrie Rutter for his services to theatre.

2000  Creative Briton Award - Barrie Rutter - Overall Winner.

2000  Liverpool Echo Arts Award - Best Visiting Production - Much Ado About Nothing.

1996  Prudential Award for the Arts Commendation - Theatre.

1996  Manchester Evening News Award Director Award to Barrie Rutter. Best Visiting Production for: The Cracked Pot.

1995  British Regional Theatre Award Best Director: Barrie Rutter. For Northern Broadsides' A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Cracked Pot

1994  Manchester Evening News Theatre Award Best supporting performance in a visiting production. - to John Branwell (Bottom) in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

1994  Shakespeare Globe Classic Award - The Tyrone Guthrie Award to Barrie Rutter for A Midsummer Night's Dream for Best Production.

1993  Time Out Magazine to Barrie Rutter and Northern Broadsides for giving fresh voice to classical texts and making them more accessible to a wider audience.

1992  Independent on Sunday Stage Performance of the Year to Barrie Rutter for his title role in Richard III.