Join our company of professional actors for a script-in-hand reading of William Shakespeare’s ‘Titus Andronicus’, in the amazing surroundings of one of Exeter’s oldest buildings. Arrive early to explore the Priory and enjoy a glass of wine with live music in the undercroft before the show.
‘Alas, a crimson river of warm blood,
Like to a bubbling fountain stirred with wind,
Doth rise and fall between thy rosed lips,
Coming and going with thy honey breath.’
(Marcus, Act 2 Scene 4)
‘The Lamentable Tragedy of Titus Andronicus’ is probably Shakespeare’s most controversial play, and certainly is one of his least performed. Written in the style of a ‘revenge play’, it is set in ancient Rome and follows the story of Titus, a general in the Roman army. Titus presents Tamora, Queen of the Goths, as a slave to the new Roman emperor, Saturninus. Saturninus takes her as his wife. From this position, Tamora vows revenge against Titus for killing her son. Titus and his family retaliate, leading to a whirlwind cycle of violence.
The play is considered problematic. Shakespeare presents a flurry of action, often shocking in its intensity, featuring murder, cannibalism, rape and racism. Please be aware that it is at times not an easy play to watch. But the play is an invitation to reflect on the nature of authority and explores what happens when personal and political motivations mingle and clash to the extreme. Theatre should provoke and we hope the presentation sparks useful reflection and conversations about thorny topics that still have relevance today.
Building on the success of last year’s Shakespeare reading of ‘Measure for Measure’ at the priory, Lightbear Lane is delighted to support Micha Colombo and Charlie Coldfield’s vision in creating a focal point for Shakespeare in Exeter, giving audiences an entertaining experience of quality Shakespeare close to home and giving performers a platform to build community and develop their classical and sight-reading skills. Whether you’re a Shakespeare aficionado or simply curious, join us and discover what Shakespeare means for us in our city today. We are continuing with a series of rehearsed readings of lesser-known classical plays, leading to fully staged productions and broader events in future.
Explore the Priory and enjoy refreshments from the bar from 6.45pm
Live music 7pm
Play Reading 7.30pm (with interval)
Directions
St Nicholas Priory is on Mint Lane with walking access from Fore Street or Bartholomew Street West.
The nearest car park is Mary Arches Street, which is a five-minute walk. Exeter Central railway station is a ten-minute walk. The bus station is a 15-minute walk with many buses stopping on the High Street which is ten minutes away.
Access
Unfortunately, due to the nature of this historic building, there is no wheelchair access for our upstairs rooms.
Facilities
Our outdoor toilet block can be made available on request.
If you have any questions or concerns about your visit please email [email protected]