1980's: The Winter's Tale
Explore the 1980's production of The Winter's Tale starring Sir Patrick Stewart
Set of Ronald Eyre's The Winter's Tale (1982) by Reg Wilson (c) RSCRoyal Shakespeare Company
1981, Director: Ronald Eyre
Eyre’s production was notable for its pace, intensity and humour. Designer Chris Dyer’s uncluttered set featured a bare raised platform and four clinical lamps which shone down on the acting area.
Patrick Stewart as Leontes (1982) by Reg Wilson (c) RSCRoyal Shakespeare Company
Patrick Stewart was a smiling and compelling Leontes, first seen directing a prophetic masque in which Autolycus brought on an enormous black bear.
Stewart’s Leontes was likened to Pulcinello, the jealous clown of commedia dell’arte, and as “the clowning becomes increasingly manic; a sickness takes the form of ghastly grins and scuttling exits” Irving Wardle, The Times, 29 July 1982. By the end of the play, Leontes was reduced to a feeble unshaven recluse with shaky and uncoordinated movements.
Terry Hands' production of The Winter's Tale (1986) by © The RSCRoyal Shakespeare Company
1986, Director: Terry Hands
Terry Hands’ visually striking production included beautiful sets designed by Gerald Howland and costumes by Alexander Reid. “Sicilia, first glimpsed through a gauze tent, consists of an austerely furnished space with, behind it, a semi-transparent mirror which at once throws back liquid reflections of white-costumed figures and the image of a giant crystal turning to the implacable passage of time.” Irving Wardle, The Times, 2 May 1986.
Jeremy Irons' immature Leontes was likened to ‘Peter Pan’ and childish symbolism was reflected in the presence of nursery toys on stage. For Hermione's trial scene, Leontes moved the furniture around as if he was in a playroom.
The Winter's Tale Bear (1986) by Joe Cocks Studio Collection © The Shakespeare Birthplace TrustRoyal Shakespeare Company
A huge polar bearskin on the floor was later transformed into the beast that eats Antigonus.
According to a Duty Manager report from the time an actor received a ‘bite’ on the head from the felt teeth of the bear rug during rehearsals.
The bear itself was made from wire and fake fur, with plastic eyes which lit up during the production.
Follow here to continue exploring a history of The RSC and The Winter's Tale, 1990s.
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