Magic – (Verb) To move, change, or create as if by magic. A phenomenon often attributed to mythological tales, magic is a key component of the fantasy world, a means to manipulate circumstances, matter and time. Expanding on this facet further in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new musical The Magician’s Elephant, Illusion Designer and Magic Consultant John Bulleid – whose credits include When Darkness Falls at The Park Theatre, The Ocean at the End of the Lane which he is the Illusion Associate of, playing at the West End as well as being the current Magic and Illusion Assistant of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tells us more about his creative process!

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We all have our own definitions of what faith means to us, driven by our own set of ideas and beliefs, whether religious or non-religious, faith is what powers each and every day. Exploring this complex notion further, the Royal Shakespeare Company in collaboration with the Coventry City of Culture Trust present Faith, a two day inter-faith event, from the 10th to the 11th September consisting of music, theatre, art installations, rituals, discussion and dialogue. A feature of the event, writer Chris O’Connell will debut two plays taking part – The Messenger and The Return. Chris tells us more about exploring the show’s narratives further, the creative process and what it means to be a part of this event celebrating Coventry’s rich inter-faith heritage.

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Project Manager Alex Turner has overseen the preparations for this year’s TheatreCraft. An event aimed at those aged 16 to 30 looking to learn more about theatre disciplines off stage, the initiative will see industry professionals give talks and workshops, as well as a careers fair at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel offering attendees the chance to meet some of the UK’s leading theatres, companies and education providers. Read on to find out more about this year’s event.

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One of Shakespeare’s most popular and iconic tragedies during his time and the modern day, Hamlet is considered to be the ultimate tale of revenge. Simon Godwin’s adaptation offers a unique take on the narrative, his production drawing on various African influences ranging from the West to South Africa. Taking on the role of Gertrude, Queen of Denmark; Lorna Brown speaks to Theatre Full Stop about how she’s approached taking on the complex role as well as tackling Shakespeare’s rich language.

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A crisp autumn frost is settling on the forecourt leading to the Barbican Centre. With it’s extensive brutalist architecture, the building itself is a much needed fort against the onslaught of winter. Tucked away in the Barbican Kitchen I am sat with actor Amber James, who in three weeks will be taking to the Barbican stage as Charmian in the RCS’s Antony and Cleopatra. Fresh from a run as Anna in Marlowe’s Dido, Queen of Carthage she’s looking forward to a few weeks of rest before she takes to the stage again. It feels perfect to be meeting Amber at the Barbican, just a stone’s throw away from Guildhall, the training ground that has helped propel her in the illustrious career that is falling at her feet.

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You just know a show is going to be good when even the Box Office staff are excited about it, so I expected big things from the Royal Shakespeare Company‘s Henry VI and this much hyped tour does not disappoint! The plot is amazing of course, but it has a fantastic cast, a wonderful set and has been directed very well which really brings this Shakespearean classic to life.

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