News

Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory’s first ever history play, Richard II, is proving a smash-hit with audiences and reviewers alike.  Familiar SATTF faces join RSC leading light John Heffernan as King Richard II and Benjamin Whitrow, BAFTA-nominated for his role as Mr Bennet in the BBC’s 1996 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, in SATTF’s first season of this highly charged and darkly atmospheric piece. Take a look at what the press think of the first SATFF production of the season…

‘Andrew Hilton’s finely tuned production of Richard II goes to the heart of Shakespeare’s play, and proves yet again how hard it is to have a bad time at the Tobacco Factory’ Susannah Clapp, The Observer

‘As always with Hilton’s Shakespeare productions, the focus is on clarity and fluidity of the language, and it is once again a revelation’ Elisabeth Mahoney, The Guardian

‘No gimmicks, just the Bard at his best…I found Mr Heffernan thoroughly watchable.’ ****  Quentin Letts, Daily Mail

‘[Andrew Hilton] has made a wise choice…in Shakespeare’s vivid and violent tragedy, moulding the verse seamlessly into the dramatic action in his company’s signature style of forceful yet intimate playing.’ The Stage

‘Hilton’s version…is a triumph, because he lets Shakespeare’s words do their work’. 9/10 Bristol Evening Post

‘Andrew Hilton’s casting and direction are spot on. The pace never flags: scenes start and finish with admirable urgency…rarely can this sad story have been told so well.’ ***** makemeneon

‘Benjamin Whitrow and Roland Oliver impress as the dynasty heads, John of Gaunt and York, respectively, while…Julia Hills impresses as a chiding Duchess of York.’ **** Mike Gartside, Venue Magazine

‘The stripped-back set is the perfect backdrop to this brilliant production at the Tobacco Factory Theatre and superb performances by the entire cast propel the play to its tragic conclusion. “The stripped-back set is the perfect backdrop to this brilliant production at the Tobacco Factory Theatre and superb performances by the entire cast propel the play to its tragic conclusion.”.’ Guide 2 Bristol, Kirstie Sleight

For more info about this show and to book, (just a reminder that SATFF has sold out for the past 3 years..) have a look here.