Jonathan Slinger - 3 to 4 November 2009

Jonathan Slinger is in an episode of Midsomer Murders called 'Things That Go Bump in the Night'. This episode, a repeat from 2004, was directed by Peter Smith. It will be shown on ITV1 on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 November 2009 at 4pm. Jonathan plays Thomas Farr.

Jonathan Slinger - 1 November 2009

Jonathan Slinger is part of BBC Radio 4's Classic Serial Bel Ami on Sunday 1 November 2009. Episode 1 will be broadcast on Sunday 1 November at 3.00pm on Radio 4. One presumes episode 2 will follow next week; watch this space. You can either tune in the traditional way, or listen online. Jonathan is playing Bel Ami.

Thank you, Geraldine. ^_^

Julius D'Silva - 13 to 15 October 2009

Julius D'Silva will be part of BBC Radio 4's Afternoon Reading on Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14, and Thursday 15 October 2009. 'Lyrical Ballads' features a selection of poems from Coleridge and Wordsworth. It will be broadcast on Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14, and Thursday 15 October 2009 at 3.30pm on Radio 4. You can either tune in the traditional way, or listen online. You can also listen online for up to 7 days after broadcast. Julius is playing Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Anthony Shuster - 4 to 11 October 2009

Anthony Shuster is part of BBC Radio 4's Classic Serial Beau Geste on Sundays 4 and 11 October 2009. Episode 1 was broadcast on Sunday 4 October at 3.00pm; it is available to listen again online now, and will be repeated on Saturday 10 October at 9.00pm. Episode 2 will be broadcast on Sunday 11 October at 3.00pm. All on Radio 4. You can either tune in the traditional way, or listen online. Anthony is playing Gussie.

Thank you, Geraldine. ^_^

Miles Richardson - 28 September 2009

Miles Richardson will be appearing in an episode of Doctors called 'Wake Up Call'. The episode in question will be airing on BBC One on Monday 28 September 2009 at 1.45pm. Miles is playing Richard Lasko.

Nick Asbury - 7 October 2009

Nick Asbury will be giving a Lunchtime Literary Talk on his book Exit, Pursued by a Badger at the Shakespeare Centre, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (next to Shakespeare's Birthplace), Stratford-upon-Avon. The talk will take place on Wednesday 7 October 2009 at 1pm (doors open at 12.30pm). Tickets cost £4, £3.50 for concessions, or £3 for Friends of SBT, and can be purchased on the door. There will be a bookstall provided by the Shakespeare Bookshop, and Nick will be signing copies of his book.

Thank you, Jo! ^_^

Anthony Shuster - 30 September 2009 to 12 February 2010

Anthony Shuster will be joining the cast of War Horse at the New London Theatre, London on 30 September 2009. The production is currently booking until 12 February 2010, and tickets are onsale now. This is the National Theatre's smash hit, based on the Michael Morpurgo novel, and is directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris. Anthony is playing Gefreiter Karl.

Thank you, Geraldine. ^_^

Keith Bartlett - 14 October to 14 November 2009

Keith Bartlett will be appearing in The Spanish Tragedy at the Arcola Theatre, London. The production runs from 14 October to 14 November 2009, and tickets are onsale now. This is a revival of Thomas Kyd's classic revenge tragedy, and will be directed by Mitchell Moreno. Keith is playing the King of Spain.

Luke Neal - 20 September 2009

Luke Neal will be appearing in an episode of Doc Martin. The episode in question will be airing on ITV1 on Sunday 20 September 2009 at 9.00pm. Luke is playing Andy.

Luke Neal - 19 September 2009

Luke Neal will be appearing in an episode of Merlin called 'The Curse of Cornelius Sigan'. The episode in question will be airing on BBC One on Saturday 19 September 2009 at 6.40pm. Luke is playing Sir Geraint.

Clive Wood - 12 to 13 September 2009

Clive Wood is in a two-part Casualty called 'Dawn of the ED'. These episodes will be airing on Saturday 12 September 2009 at 8.15pm and Sunday 13 September 2009 at 8pm on BBC One. Clive plays Tweedie.

Thank you, Jo. ^_^

Geoffrey Streatfeild - 21 October 2009 to 21 January 2010

Geoffrey Streatfeild will be appearing in Pains of Youth at the National Theatre, London. The production runs from 21 October 2009 to 21 January 2010, and tickets are onsale now to advance bookers, and from 2 September to the general public. This is a new version of a 1929 Ferdinand Bruckner play by Martin Crimp, and it will be directed by Katie Mitchell.

Richard Cordery - 29 September to 29 October 2009

Richard Cordery will be appearing in The Power of Yes at the National Theatre, London. The production runs from 29 September to 29 October 2009, and tickets are onsale now. This is a new play from David Hare about the current financial crisis, and it will be directed by Angus Jackson.

Thank you, mz_annethrope. ^_^

Forbes Masson - 29 October to 7 November 2009

Forbes Masson will be appearing in A Tender Thing at the Northern Stage, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The production runs from 29 October to 7 November 2009, and tickets are onsale now. This is a new play from the inestimable Ben Power, and it is directed by Helena Kowt-Housen. Forbes is playing Romeo.

Thank you, Anna! ^_^

Jonathan Slinger - 20 August 2009

Jonathan Slinger will be appearing in a episode of The Bill called 'Reaching Out'. The episode in question will be airing on ITV1 on Thursday 20 August 2009 at 9pm. Jonathan is playing Stephen Fairfax.

Letter from the Editor

Good evening, all! I'm pleased, proud, and more than slightly perturbed to report that this blog has been running successfully now for over a year!

First things first: I'm experiencing some slight trouble with my email at the moment, so if you have any tip-offs, please direct them to the new email address. If you've sent anything that hasn't thus far appeared on the blog, I would hugely appreciate a resend!

And while we're all here, I'm just curious to know a few things, so if you have a few minutes, please comment with your answers to the following questions:

• How did you first find this blog?
• Have you made the effort to see/listen to something that you otherwise wouldn't have after reading about it here?
• If so, what was it, and what did you think?
• How regularly do you check this blog?
• Do you consider this blog a useful resource, somewhat on the creepy side, deliciously between the two, or something else entirely?

While this whole affair did start off as an exercise in "if you want something doing, then do it yourself!", it has gradually changed into much more of a team affair. While I'm enormously grateful to all contributors for all tip-offs, I just want to do one more big thank you in particular to Anna, Carol, Eva, Geraldine, Hilary, Jo, and Polly! Between us, we've kept this blog pretty busy, I reckon. XD

So thank you for reading, and please note the new email address! ^_^

Chuk Iwuji - 25 July to 10 August 2009

Chuk Iwuji is in three episodes of Proof. These episodes are repeated from 2005. They will be shown on ITV1 on Monday evenings starting from Monday 27 July 2009 at 9pm. This is only in the STV Central and STV Northern regions. Chuk plays Jake Zaria.

Thank you, Hilary and Jo. ^_^

Keith Bartlett - 29 August to 9 October 2009

Keith Bartlett will be appearing in A New World at Shakespeare's Globe, London. The production runs from 29 August to 9 October 2009, and tickets are onsale now. This is a new play about Thomas Paine, and will be directed by Dominic Dromgoole. Keith is playing Franklin.

Nick Asbury - 26 September to 29 November 2009

Nick Asbury will be appearing in the Shared Experience touring production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle. The tour will play the following:
West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, 26 September to 17 October 2009
Richmond Theatre, Richmond, 20 to 24 October 2009
Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham, 4 to 21 November 2009
Unicorn Theatre, London, 25 to 29 November 2009
This will be directed by Nancy Meckler.

Thank you, Anna and Jo. ^_^

Jonathan Slinger - 25 July 2009

Jonathan Slinger is in an episode of A Touch of Frost called 'Mind Games'. This episode is a repeat from 2008. It will be shown on ITV1 on Saturday 25 July 2009 at 8.40pm. Jonathan plays Carl Meyer.

Thank you, Jo. ^_^

Clive Wood - 29 July 2009

Clive Wood will be appearing in an episode of Midsomer Murders called 'Secrets and Spies'. The episode in question will be airing on ITV1 on Wednesday 29 July 2009 at 8pm. Clive is playing Geoffrey Larkin.

Rob Carroll - 15 July to 31 August 2009

Rob Carroll is currently appearing in the Walking with Dinosaurs arena tour. The tour will play the following:
Nottingham Trent FM Arena, 15 to 19 July 2009
Sheffield Arena, 22 to 26 July 2009
Manchester MEN Arena, 29 July to 2 August 2009
London O2 Arena, 5 to 9 August 2009
Birmingham NIA, 12 to 16 August 2009
Liverpool Echo Arena, 19 to 23 August 2009
London Wembley Arena, 26 to 31 August 2009
Rob is alternating in the role of Huxley.

Luke Neal - 22 July 2009

Luke Neal will be appearing in an episode of Midsomer Murders called 'The Dogleg Murders'. It's directed by Richard Holthouse, and will be airing on ITV1 on Wednesday 22 July 2009 at 8pm. Luke is playing Colin Fountain.

Patrice Naiambana - 9 July 2009

Patrice Naiambana was in episode four of Torchwood: Children of Earth. This third series of the Doctor Who spin-off was five parts long and aired over the course of a single week, and it was directed by Euros Lyn. While it's too late to tune in the traditional way, the programme will be available through the BBC iPlayer until Friday 17 July 2009. Patrice played Defence Secretary.

Keith Bartlett - 16 July 2009

Keith Bartlett will be appearing in an episode of New Tricks called 'The War Against Drugs'. The episode in question will be airing on BBC One on Thursday 16 July 2009 at 9pm. Keith is playing Norman Smith.

Thank you, Geraldine. ^_^

Geoffrey Streatfeild - 11 to 31 July 2009

Geoffrey Streatfeild will be appearing in the Opera North production of The Weather Man. This triple bill of performance lecture, film, and chamber opera will be touring the following:
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 11 July 2009
The Sage, Gateshead, 15 July 2009
Howard Assembly Room, Leeds, 17 to 18 July 2009
Riverside Studios, London, 30 to 31 July 2009

Nick Asbury - Exit Pursued by a Badger

The wait is almost over! Nick Asbury's eagerly awaited Exit Pursued by a Badger: One Actor's Journey Through History at the RSC is due to be published this week, courtesy of Oberon Books. You can order your copy through Amazon, or - preferably! - your local independent bookshop. Nick will be signing copies of his book at the National Theatre, London, on Tuesday 23 June 2009, after the Shakespeare Blogged platform at 6pm, and Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, on Sunday 19 July 2009 - as part of the RSC Open Day - at 1.30pm.

Chris McGill - 19 June to 31 August 2009

Chris McGill will be appearing in the Shakespeare's Globe touring production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The tour will play the following:
City Museum, Portsmouth, 19 to 21 June 2009
Ashton Court, Bristol, 23 to 28 June 2009
Leeds Castle, Maidstone, 30 June to 5 July 2009
Parham House, West Sussex, 7 July 2009
Shakespeare’s Globe, London, 8 to 11 July 2009
Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex, 13 to 14 July 2009
Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton, 15 to 18 July 2009
Minack Theatre, Cornwall, 20 to 24 July 2009
Hedingham Castle, Essex, 27 to 28 July 2009
Gdansk, Poland, 31 July to 6 August 2009
Art Carnuntum Festival, Austria, 8 to 9 August 2009
St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury, 12 to 16 August 2009
Newby Hall, Yorkshire, 18 to 19 August 2009
Georgian Theatre, Richmond, Yorkshire, 20 to 23 August 2009
Emmanuel College, Cambridge, 25 to 30 August 2009
St Donats, Glamorgan, 31 August 2009
This will be directed by Raz Shaw. Chris is playing Lysander, Quince, and Moth.

Jonathan Slinger - 25 June 2009

Jonathan Slinger will be appearing in another episode of new BBC comedy series Krod Mandoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire called 'O Biclops, Where Art Thou'. The episode in question will be airing on BBC Two on Thursday 25 June 2009 at 9pm. Jonathan is playing Cyclops.

Maureen Beattie - 6 to 31 August 2009

Maureen Beattie will be appearing in The Girls of Slender Means at the Assembly @ George Street Music Hall, Edinburgh. The production runs from 6 to 31 August 2009, and tickets are onsale now. This is based on the novella by Muriel Spark, and is part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Jonathan Slinger - 11 June 2009

Jonathan Slinger will be appearing in the first episode of new BBC comedy series Krod Mandoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire. The episode in question will be airing on BBC Two on Thursday 11 June 2009 at 9pm. Jonathan is playing Head Myrmidon.

Thank you, Eva. ^_^

RSC Ensemble 2009 to 2011 - update

The new RSC ensemble has now opened their first three Shakespeare productions in Stratford-upon-Avon so I thought I'd do a bit of an update.

Current
The Winter's Tale (directed by David Farr)
The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 31 March to 3 October 2009
Theatre Royal, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 27 to 31 October 2009
Paul Hamilton - Dion
John Mackay - Camillo

As You Like It (directed by Michael Boyd)
The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 18 April to 3 October 2009
Theatre Royal, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 21 to 24 October 2009
Geoffrey Freshwater - Corin
Forbes Masson - Jaques
Sandy Neilson - Duke Senior
Katy Stephens - Rosalind
James Tucker - Silvius

Julius Caesar (directed by Lucy Bailey)
The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 15 May to 2 October 2009
Theatre Royal, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 3 to 7 November 2009
Paul Hamilton - A conspirator
John Mackay - Cassius

Forthcoming
The Comedy of Errors (directed by Paul Hunter)
The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 25 June to 15 August 2009
Theatre Royal, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 7 November 2009
James Tucker - Antipholus of Ephesus

The Drunks (directed by Anthony Neilson)
The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 21 August to 1 October 2009
Paul Hamilton
Sandy Neilson - Babitsky

The Grain Store (directed by Michael Boyd)
The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 10 September to 1 October 2009
Geoffrey Freshwater - Neighbour
John Mackay - Mortko
Forbes Masson - Samson
Katy Stephens - Flesheater
James Tucker - Local Educator

And tiny trickles of information have started to leak out for post-2009 productions as well. John Mackay will be playing Octavius Caesar in the Michael Boyd-directed Antony and Cleopatra in 2010, while Katy Stephens is set to play Regan for David Farr in the 2010 King Lear. Watch this space for more future information; whatever comes up will be shared!

RSC Open Day - 19 July 2009

The RSC Open Day will be held in Stratford-upon-Avon this summer on Sunday 19 July 2009. There's already a full programme of events planned, with two in particular that should be of interest to anyone reading this blog.

All the World's a Stage, The Courtyard Theatre, 2.15 - 3.15pm
A panel including RSC Associate Designer Tom Pipe and Actor Chuk Iwuji discuss ways of working on the thrust stage and what the transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre means to them.
£10, £5 for 16-25s. Please ring the Box Office on 0844 800 1114.

Exit, Pursued by a Badger: One Actor's Journey Through History at the RSC, Shakespeare's Birthplace, 1.30 - 2.30pm
Nick Asbury, a member of the Histories company, talks about his experience of performing as part of a long ensemble, captured in his newly published book. Nick's book will be available at The Courtyard Theatre Shop and he will be signing copies on the day.
£10, £5 for 16-25s. Please ring the Box Office on 0844 800 1114.

There's also many many more events, tours, talks, and activities planned. If the weather holds out, it should be just as fabulous as - if not more fabulous than - last year!

Visit the RSC website for more information and to buy tickets!

Thank you, Anna. ^_^

Jonathan Slinger

Recently, four leading Shakespearean actors - including Jonathan Slinger - were given the opportunity to get up close and personal with London's Guildhall Library's copy of the First Folio. Actors discuss first folio of Shakespeare records their thoughts and reactions.

Thank you, Eva. ^_^

Katy Stephens

There's a nifty little article on the Theatregoers' Choice for Best Actress in a Play 2008 Katy Stephens at WhatsOnStage.com. Katy Stephens On Life at the RSC Post-Histories discusses what it's like being an ensemble member, and also reveals a future role she'll be playing for the new ensemble in 2010.

Thank you, Kate. ^_^

Geoffrey Streatfeild - 30 May 2009

Geoffrey Streatfeild was part of BBC Radio 4's Saturday Play on Saturday 30 May 2009. 'A Murder of Quality' is a dramatisation of the John Le Carre novel of the same name. While it's too late to tune in the traditional way, the programme will be available through the BBC website until Saturday 6 June 2009. Geoffrey is playing Rode.

Thank you, Geraldine. ^_^

Tom Hodgkins - 27 May to 12 September 2009

Tom Hodgkins will be appearing in Arcadia at the Duke of York's Theatre, London. The production runs from 27 May to 12 September 2009, and tickets are onsale now. This is a welcome West End revival of the 1993 play by Tom Stoppard, and is directed by David Leveaux. Tom is playing Captain Brice.

Maureen Beattie - 8 May 2009

Maureen Beattie will be part of BBC Radio 4's Friday Play on Friday 8 May 2009. 'Tough Love' is a drama about a mother learning that her son is a heroin addict. It will be broadcast on Friday 8 May 2009 at 9.00pm on Radio 4. You can either tune in the traditional way, or listen online. You can also listen online for up to 7 days after broadcast. Maureen is playing Laura.

Matt Costain - 5 to 28 June 2009

Matt Costain will be appearing in The Tempest at the Open Air Theatre, London. The production runs from 5 to 28 June 2009, and tickets are onsale now. This is a reimagining of the play for ages 6 and over, and it will be directed by Liam Steel. Matt is playing Ariel.

Thank you, Polly. ^_^

Nicholas Asbury - 19 April 2009

Nicholas Asbury will be appearing in an episode of Heartbeat called 'Return Crossing'. The episode in question will be airing on ITV1 on Sunday 19 April 2009 at 8pm. Nick is playing Tomasz Burowski.

Thank you, Jo. ^_^

Geoffrey Streatfeild - 22 April to 6 June 2009

Geoffrey Streatfeild will be appearing in The Contingency Plan at the Bush Theatre, London. The production runs from 22 April to 6 June 2009, and tickets are onsale now. This is a double-bill of plays - On the Beach and Resilience - by Steve Waters, and they will be directed by Michael Longhurst and Tamara Harvey respectively. Geoffrey is playing Will Paxton.

Thank you, Geraldine! ^_^

Lex Shrapnel - 8 to 23 May 2009

Lex Shrapnel will be appearing in Serious Money at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham. The production runs from 8 to 23 May 2009, and tickets are onsale now. This is a very timely revival of the Caryl Churchill satire, and will be directed by Jonathan Munby. Lex is playing Grimes/Billy Corman.

Thank you, David. ^_^

Anthony Shuster - 24 April 2009

Anthony Shuster will be appearing in Live Canon: The Bloomsbury Set at the Greenwich Theatre, London. The production is for two performances only, both on Friday 25 April 2009, and tickets are onsale now. Live Canon are a dedicated poetry-reading ensemble, performing new poems and premiering new settings of older works, and are directed by Helen Eastman.

Anthony Shuster - 17 May to 1 June 2009

Anthony Shuster will be appearing in Live Canon: The Pre-Raphaelites at the Finborough Theatre, London. The production is for six nights only - 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 May and 1 June 2009 - and tickets are onsale now. Live Canon are a dedicated poetry-reading ensemble, performing new poems and premiering new settings of older works, and are directed by Helen Eastman.

Maureen Beattie - 27 April to 1 May 2009

Maureen Beattie will be reading Radio 4's Book of the Week, For All the Tea in China by Sarah Rose. It's a historical book about Robert Fortune, a Scottish gardener, botanist, plant hunter and industrial spy, and his efforts to steal the closely guarded secret of tea from China in the mid-nineteenth century. Selected extracts will be broadcast every weekday morning, from 27 April to 1 May 2009, at 9.45am on Radio 4. You can either tune in the traditional way, or listen online. You can also listen online for up to 7 days after broadcast.

Maureen Beattie - 13 to 30 May 2009

Maureen Beattie will be appearing in Ghosts at the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow. The production runs from 13 to 30 May 2009, and tickets are onsale now. This is a new version of the classic Henrik Ibsen play by Amelia Bullmore, and is directed by Jeremy Raison. Maureen is playing Mrs Alving.

Ann Ogbomo - 29 March 2009

Ann Ogbomo will be appearing in an episode of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency called 'The Boy with an African Heart'. The episode in question will be airing on Sunday 29 March 2009 on BBC One at 9pm. Ann is playing Clara.

Maureen Beattie - 29 March 2009

Maureen Beattie will be appearing in an episode of Lewis called 'The Quality of Mercy'. The episode in question will be airing on ITV1 on Sunday 29 March 2009 at 8pm. Maureen is playing Professor Gregson.

Thank you, Angela. ^_^

Maureen Beattie - 27 March 2009

Maureen Beattie was on BBC Radio 4's Stanley Baxter Playhouse on Friday 27 March 2009. 'Astonishing Archie' is a comic play about two friends planning a friend's funeral. While it's too late to tune in the traditional way, the programme will be available through the BBC website until Friday 3rd Apri 2009. Maureen is playing Rev Margot Turnbull.

Laurence Olivier Awards - the results are in!

CONGRATULATIONS! Having been nominated in four categories for this year's Laurence Olivier Awards, The Histories have received three awards! It's official; The Histories Cycle was the Best Revival, had the Best Costume Design, and gave the Best Company Performance (a brand-spanking new category, and a most auspicious start). Of course, if you're reading this, you already knew these things, but it's nice to see the official recognition. ;D

The full list of winners can be found here. Big congratulations also to the National Theatre of Scotland for the phenomenal Black Watch, and all other winners. ^_^

Geoffrey Streatfeild - 6 March 2009

Geoffrey Streatfeild is part of BBC Radio 4's Afternoon Play on Friday 6 March 2009. 'Success Story' is a fictional story inspired by recent events and recorded in the week prior to transmission. It will be broadcast on Friday 6 March 2009 at 2.15pm on Radio 4. You can either tune in the traditional way, or listen online. You can also listen online for up to 7 days after broadcast. Geoffrey is playing Ray.

Thank you, Jennifer. ^_^

Nicholas Asbury - 23 June 2009

Nicholas Asbury will be making an appearance at the National Theatre, London, on 23 June 2009.

"Shakespeare Blogged: Nick Asbury and Simon Reade - 23 June, Cottesloe
Actor and RSC blogger Nick Asbury joins director and author Simon Reade for a light-hearted look at how Shakespeare the playwright would survive in today’s world of internet scrutiny and arts subsidy."

It may also interest you to know that Nick regularly presents for Stratford Community Radio on Friday mornings from 10am to 12 noon. You can tune in via the website.

Thank you Polly, Eva, and Jo. ^_^

Tom Hodgkins - 20 February to 14 March 2009

Tom Hodgkins will be appearing in The Price at the New Vic Theatre, Basford. The production runs from 20 February to 14 March 2009, and tickets are onsale now. This is a new production of the Arthur Miller classic, and is directed by Robin Herford. Tom is playing Victor Franz.

Clive Wood - 4 March 2009

Clive Wood will be appearing in an episode of Minder called 'Thank Your Lucky Stars'. The episode in question will be airing on Channel Five on Wednesday 4 March 2009 at 9pm. Clive is playing Felix Cornell.

Thank you, Jo. ^_^