Following the success of last year’s theatre visit to see Sheridan’s The School for Scandal, we returned to Stratford-upon-Avon this summer—during our fourth heatwave! This time, in deference to one member’s wish for a more traditional choice, we opted for a Shakespearean play: The Winter’s Tale.

One of Shakespeare’s later works, The Winter’s Tale is not performed as frequently as his more popular plays. Often described as a curious blend of tragedy and comedy, it features a dramatic shift in tone that some view as creaky or uneven. However, as expected from the Royal Shakespeare Company, the overall production values were high, with imaginative staging and evocative music that helped carry the story.

Bertie Carvel gave a compelling performance as the jealous King Leontes, bringing weight and intensity to the character. Unfortunately, some of the other performances were undermined by poor diction, which at times made it difficult to follow the dialogue—a pity, given the richness of Shakespeare’s language.

In the end, the play was rather like the curate’s egg: good in parts.

Before the matinee performance, members had free time to enjoy Stratford in the sunshine. Some took the opportunity to have coffee, lunch at the theatre restaurant, or browse the shops. A few came just for the day to explore the town’s many attractions, including Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the ever-popular MAD Museum.