Ben Crystal: Shakespeare on Toast

Nancy W Knowles Room, Globe Theatrem Bankside, 21 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DT

“Ben Crystal’s talk is less of a talk and more of a performance…”

Ben makes sense of Shakespeare by putting him back into context.  The talk will include an exploration of Elizabethan theatre and what a trip to a Shakespeare play in 1600 would be like, a master-class on the poetry style Shakespeare used and a look at Original Pronunciation. It is relevant to all, from people experiencing Shakespeare for the first time, to those who love Shakespeare and want to learn something new.  Join us at the Nancy W Knowles Room at the Globe Theatre for this informative, fun and enjoyable evening.

Ben Crystal is an actor and writer.   He co-wrote Shakespeare’s Words and The Shakespeare Miscellany with David Crystal, famous linguist and just happens to be Ben’s father.  Ben’s solo book, Shakespeare on Toast was published to critical acclaim.   Shakespeare on Toast knocks the stuffing from the staid old myth of Shakespeare, revealing the man and his plays for what they really are: modern, thrilling and uplifting drama.  Ben brings the bright words and colourful characters of the world’s greatest writer wonderfully to life.

“This is a brilliantly enjoyable, light-hearted look at Shakespeare which dispels the myths and makes him accessible to all.  I love it!   Dame Judi Dench

“Ben Crystal’s excellent book is an ideal way to gain an understanding of why Shakespeare is so brilliant and so enjoyable!     Sir Richard Eyre

The evening will commence with an introduction from  Patrick Spottiwoode, Director, Globe Education.  Patrick joined Shakespeare’s Globe in 1984 and became founding Director, Globe Education in 1989.  In 1995 he initiated a 30 year project to stage readings and record all surviving plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries.  Globe Education has been mounting annual professional productions created especially for over 30,000 young people who all receive free tickets.  Patrick has co-directed several academic conferences both at the Globe and abroad.  He is currently working on a book on Goethe on Shakespeare and collaborating on the design and building of a new Globe Education and Rehearsal Centre. He sits on the Executive Committee of the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America and is organising their annual conference to be held at the Globe in 2010.  Patrick has been appointed President of the Shakespeare Club, the oldest Shakespeare society in the world, for 2009-2010.

The cost is £30 per person, which includes post-performance reception in the Orange Room, with wine, soft drinks  and light nibbles.

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Please send cheques, payable to ‘London Branch RSA’ to  “London Branch RSA, c/o Elinor Pritchard, 98 Elm Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6HU.  (If any queries, please telephone Elinor on 07780 676 976).  Please note that cancellations cannot be refunded if made 14 days prior to the event