Although I have studied Shakespeare from a literary angle, I had not previously considered the stage or theatrical elements which make up so much of a performance. This show was very informative in this respect. The presentation was divided into four parts: “What makes a good Shakespearean Speaker?”, “What makes a good Shakespearean actor?”, “What makes a landmark production?” and “What makes a good theatre reviewer?” The first part contained some excerpts from well-known actors, including Laurence Olivier in Coriolanus. Although the recording was not very clear, the intent and force behind his speech was still very powerful.  The pace and diction of Olivier was considered in detail and the importance of observing the “iambic pentameter” - one of the main literary devices used by Shakespeare - was discussed.

The second part provided us with examples of good Shakespearean actors such as Dame Judi Dench, focussing on the timing, style and comic effect she uses. It was interesting to consider the importance of understanding and interpreting Shakespeare in order to produce the desired dramatic atmosphere on stage.
We then considered landmark productions which seemed to focus or centre on the innovation of the director and/or the performances of the actors. An example was given of Midsummer Night’s Dream, which usually has an opulent, luxurious set, with flowers, trees and lots of colours. This was successfully subverted in a production in the 1970s where, instead, the play was set in a white box with none of the usual stylised set.  Another example was that of Measure for Measure, which ends with a marriage proposal which is traditionally accepted. This was changed in 1970 in a production which ended with no answer to the proposal - perhaps to reflect the increasing importance of feminism. The change from accepted practice gave the production considerable notoriety.

We ended with an analysis of good theatre critics. The main advice Wells and Edmondson had to offer was that the best critics could do was to describe how a production made them feel. I can end then by saying that I felt interested, entertained and intrigued by this talk.