Shakespeare Solos

Adrian Lester performs Hamlet’s soliloquy from act III, scene 1, in which the prince reflects on mortality and considers taking his own life.

Joanna Vanderham speaks Juliet’s monologue from the balcony scene in which she insists that her devotion to Romeo is true even if it has been a whirlwind romance.

Roger Allam plays Lear in act III, scene 2 of the tragedy. During a symbolic storm, the ageing king curses the weather and his daughters, and laments his frailty.

Eileen Atkins speaks Emilia’s lines from Othello, act IV scene 3. Emilia, Iago’s wife, counsels Desdemona on marriage and fidelity.

David Morrissey speaks the play’s opening lines in which the scheming Richard lays out his plan to turn his brothers, the Duke of Clarence and King Edward IV, against each other.

Ayesha Dharker plays Titania, queen of the fairies, who has quarrelled with Oberon. As the pair control the weather, their argument leads to a vision of nature’s chaos.