Doors Open Stratford presents Reflections of 1945, a commemoration of 70 years since the end of World War II

(News Release)

Stratford, ON -- Doors Open Stratford presents 12 local sites commemorating 70 years since the end of World War II. Open to the public on Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, everyone is invited to visit some of Stratford’s finest landmarks and share our WWII stories. Admission is free.

 

The Dutch memorial was a gift from the Netherlands in appreciation for Stratford’s hospitality to 700 Dutch soldiers in Stratford.

Hear stories about Perth County War Brides, the Dutch Liberation and wing spar production for deHaviland Mosquito bombers as you tour historical sites, visit two private post-war homes, an historic church, war graves and Stratford’s Cenotaph, designed by one of Canada’s most prominent sculptors, Walter Seymour Allward.

Celebrate Toronto’s revitalized waterfront at Party on the Promenade, June 19-21

(News Release)

Toronto, Ontario – May 27, 2015 – Visitors and residents of Toronto are invited to join The Waterfront BIA for their Party on the Promenade at the Redpath Waterfront Festival from June 19-21, 2015.

Come celebrate the launch of Toronto’s revitalized waterfront with parades, entertainment and activities along Queens Quay and the Martin Goodman Trail.

The refined waterfront includes a spectacular new pedestrian promenade and waterfront connection to the Martin Goodman Trail. Visit www.towaterfrontfest.com or www.waterfrontbia.com or call 416-596-9821 for more information.

 

Ultimutts Stunt Dog tricks

“The Waterfront BIA’s Party on the Promenade at the Redpath Waterfront Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the launch of Toronto's revitalized Queens Quay,” states Kevin Currie, Chair of The Waterfront BIA. “Join us for the weekend long celebration and experience Toronto’s waterfront!”

Native Men’s Residence 2015 Traditional Outdoor Pow Wow at Fort York

 (News Release)

TORONTO -  This year, Na-Me-Res will be celebrating 30 dedicated years of  “Healing In The Community” in conjunction with our Annual Traditional Pow Wow.

 

   About 100 traditional dancers will take part in the Na-Me-Res Traditional Outdoor Pow Wow at Fort York. (Photo by Brian Damude)

We will be celebrating at a new location  Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Boulevard) on Sunday June 21st.

We anticipate well over 7,500 attendees for our anniversary celebration this year. 

Our activities include:

Celebrate the grand opening of Toronto's revitalized waterfront

Paint the Town RED at Party on the Promenade  

TORONTO – May 13, 2015:  Summer’s almost here and so is Toronto’s ultimate outdoor weekend-long celebration—the 2015 Redpath Waterfront Festival. 

Party on the Promenade, presented by The Waterfront Business Improvement Area (WBIA) gets the party started on Friday June 19 at 6:00 p.m. with Waterfront Toronto’s Official Opening of the revitalized Queens Quay featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony like no other at the Simcoe WaveDeck.

General admission to the festival is free and a detailed list of scheduling and program information is available on the Festival website www.towaterfrontfest.com.

 

Samba Elégua Percussion Band

The Waterfront Community People’s Parade follows, kicking off from Sherbourne Common with Shadowland Theatre and the explosive, high energy Samba Elégua Percussion Band.

2015 Na-Me-Res Traditional Outdoor Pow Wow at Fort York, Toronto

  Na-Me-Res has established our Traditional Outdoor Pow Wow in the month of June (National Aboriginal History Month). This is the 12^th year of hosting our event in the City of Toronto.  This year will be holding our event at Fort York National Historical Site

Our activities include:
Guest speakers, traditional durmmers, traditional dancers, a variety of Native tradtional craft displays, information booths, red pepper spectacle, food sales and a traditional feast.


When: Sunday, June 21^st, 2015 Rain or Shine - Grand Entry at 12pm-6pm
Where: 250 Fort York National Historical  Site ,  205 Fort York Blvd.
Who: Everyone Welcome
Cost:    This is a free event
Contact: (416)-651-6750 Blanch White ext. 2233 bwhite@nameres.org

 

Stratford Festival opens its 63rd season with Hamlet

STRATFORD, ON -- The Stratford Festival’s 63^rd season opened May 25 with Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy Hamlet, directed by Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino and starring Jonathan Goad in the title role.

Watch the Hamlet trailer: https://youtu.be/gA9UKz4s2tc

Five more productions open this week: two Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, The Sound of Music and Carousel; the world première of Michael Healey’s adaptation of Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s The Physicists; an inspirational production of The Diary of Anne Frank, by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, adapted by Wendy Kesselman; and Shakespeare’s sweeping drama The Adventures of Pericles.

Two plays open next week: Oliver Goldsmith’s madcap romance She Stoops to Conquer on June 4; and Shakespeare’s boisterous comedy The Taming of the Shrew on June 5.

“All of us here at the Stratford Festival are tremendously excited about the plays opening tonight and over the next two weeks,” says Mr. Cimolino. “We can’t wait to share our work and to see the rest of the season unfold over the coming months.”

Choose your summer fun with the Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain

May 27, 2015 – The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain offers endless possibilities for family fun this summer with weekends full of special events and opportunities to escape for fun and relaxation in The Blue Mountains.

The resort is offering the chance to get back to your best self with a Choose Your Own Adventure Package. This offer puts guests in control of their time and fun, allowing for the chance to let loose and choose from some of Blue Mountain’s exciting individual and family activities.

With rates starting from $240 per night throughout the summer, the offer includes one Base Camp Active Pack per stay, which includes eight tickets that can used to access exciting activities throughout Blue Mountain.

Guests can choose from activities including Mountaintop Segway tours, picturesque open-air gondola rides or the thrill of the Ridge Runner Mountain coaster ride.

As well, guests will receive 20 percent off mid-station or summit activities, which is regularly priced at $120. This offer is available on stays through November 1, 2015, with rates priced per room, per night based on single/double occupancy, subject to availability and advance reservations are required. To book your stay call 866-716-8101 and reference rate code PKGADVN1 or book online at www.westinbluemountain.com.

Summer Music in the Garden returns with an eclectic season of free concerts at the Toronto Music Garden, July 2-September 13

Presented by TD Bank Group  
TORONTO, ON (May 27, 2015) -Harbourfront Centre is pleased to announce the return of its much anticipated Summer Music in the Garden outdoor concert series from July 2 to September 13, presented by TD Bank Group.

This 16^th edition will feature 17 free concerts, showcasing the talents of more than 55 artists throughout the summer, most Thursdays at 7pm and Sundays at 4pm. 

This edition of Summer Music in the Garden one again offers Torontonians and guests the opportunity to cross borders and experience a world of music. The performances range from a world premiere by First Nations (Odawa) composer Barbara Croall to the fingerstyle wonders of show-stopping guitarist Calum Graham, to virtuosic arias written 300 years ago for London's Covent Garden Opera House and sung by star countertenor Michael Taylor,"says Tamara Bernstein, Artistic Director of Summer Music in the Garden. 

Summer Music in the Garden Highlights :

Raise Your Glass For Rhinos - Ticketed event at the Toronto Zoo

Thursday, June 11, 2015

6:00pm to 10:00pm

Toronto Zoo, Atrium

Administrative Support Centre, 361A Old Finch Ave

 

Join us for a unique evening at the Toronto Zoo where you will raise your glass in support of the critically endangered rhino. Tickets to this special night will include a buffet dinner, wine tastings, complimentary glassware, a silent auction, a special Zoomobile tour and special rhino Meet The Keeper experience. We will also be holding a live auction where one lucky person will get the chance to have a one-on-one close encounter with the rhinos that evening! Proceeds from the event will support The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

  (Information below)

CLICK HERE for event information and to purchase your tickets.

Family fun with Thomas this summer at Four Points by Sheraton London, Ontario

Package is great for fans of “Thomas the Tank Engine” - Book Early to Avoid Disappointment

London, ONT, May 27, 2015 –Calling all Thomas the Tank Engine fans, young and old.

The Four Points by Sheraton London has a special package this July that includes overnight accommodations in a newly renovated two-room Towers Suite, breakfast for two and a ‘Thomas the Tank Engine^TM” storybook.

Kids 12 and under also eat free when dining with an adult, plus enjoy the hotel’s large indoor swimming pool and sun terrace.   Priced at $149.00 per suite, per night, plus applicable taxes, the Thomas package is based on advance reservations and availability.

The hotel is located only 15 minutes from St. Thomas and the Elgin County Railway, the host site for ‘Day Out With Thomas, The Celebration Tour 2015^TM’.

Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story Re-imagined in Huron County

(News Release)

Huron County is set to celebrate the short story form in the landscape that inspired Nobel Laureate Alice Munro.

 

Author Lisa Moore

The Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story from June 4-7, 2015 will present readings, book signings, presentations, and masterclasses with some of Canada’s most respected authors and literary figures, culminating in the Jubilee Gala at which the Adult and Youth Short Story Competition Awards will be presented.

Writers and readers alike have the opportunity to partake in writing masterclasses and facilitated discussions with celebrated Canadian authors.

Stratford’s Heritage Weekend presents Reflections of 1945, a commemoration of 70 years since the end of World War II June 6-7

(News Release)

Stratford, ON -- Stratford commemorates the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II June 6 -7 with a weekend of events reflecting life in 1945 in Stratford and around the world.
 

Stratford Cenotaph

Come and see a Holocaust Survivor photo exhibit, Perth County War Brides exhibit, Ladies of the CNR dramatic vignette, an Anne Frank exhibit and a Remembering 1945 concert along with heritage walks, cycling tours and home tours.


Doors Open Stratford kicks off the weekend with the grand opening of the Stratford-Perth Archives Saturday, June 6 at 9:30 am. From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., everyone is invited to visit some of Stratford’s finest landmarks and share our WWII stories at 12 sites including the Cenotaph, designed by Walter Seymour Allward, one of Canada’s most prominent sculptors. Admission is free. A map and brochure are available at www.visitstratford.ca/doorsopen.


Explore Stratford’s and Canada’s connections to the Netherlands and the role Canadian soldiers played in liberating Holland at the Anne Frank exhibit at Stratford Perth Museum. Stop by the Dutch Memorial on Huron Street (at William Street) to see a token of appreciation and visit Gallery Stratford presenting a poignant photo exhibition titled The Ghosts That Haunt Us: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors by Jason Schwartz. 

TIFF awards the best short films created by teens

TORONTO — The 2015 TIFF Next Wave Jump Cuts Young Filmmakers Showcase winners were announced at a ceremony held at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Now in its 13^th year, the high-profile competition screens the top short films made by Ontario students in grades 9 to 12. This year's showcase featured 16 short films from 25 young filmmakers.

The films were judged in the categories of animation, fiction, experimental and documentary. This year’s Jump Cuts jury included experimental filmmaker Christine Lucy Latimer, whose work has been featured in over 150 film festivals, director Andrew Cividino (The Sleeping Giant), writer-actor Anna Hopkins (SyFy's Defiance, Barney's Version, Girl Couch) and documentary filmmaker Andrew Moir (Uprooted, Just As I Remember).

With 131 submissions this year from across the province, this annual competition engages and supports young emerging filmmakers by helping them to present their vision on the big screen.

Fan favourite Tony Orlando returns to Caesars Windsor August 20

(News Release)

Windsor, ON – Classic favourite Tony Orlando returns to the Colosseum stage for two shows on Thursday, August 20 at 3 pm & 8 pm with all the warmth and exhilarating energy his fans adore.

With millions in record sales, five number one hits, a popular television variety series, movies and Broadway show, Orlando has conquered every facet of show business.

Throughout his career, he has earned three American Music Awards, a People’s Choice Award and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990.

One of America’s most endearing and enduring stars, audiences will be treated to live renditions of his biggest hit-singles including: “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree,” “Knock Three Times” and “Candida”.

Doors Open Oxford 2015 celebrate sports history

(News Release)

Where was the first recorded baseball game in North America played? Who won the tug-of-war contest at the 1893 Chicago World Fair?

Where is the World Crokinole Tournament held every year? What basketball team once formed the nucleus of Canada‘s Olympic team?

Doors Open Oxford answers all these questions with 18 sites showcasing Oxford County's rich sports heritage. Learn about our championship badminton club, our world class soccer facility as well as sailing, dragon boat racing, remote controlled aircraft and much more.  Please see the Doors Open Oxford 2015 press release (below) for more details.

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Discount Tuesday on VIA Rail

	May 19, 2015 Version française
	Guess what day it is? Take advantage of our reduced Escape fares on select routes in Economy and Sleeper class from coast-to-coast today until midnight only. NEW! The travel period has been modified to give you even greater flexibility. • Travel in Economy class in the Québec City – Windsor corridor from Saturday, May 23 up to Friday, May 29, 2015. • Travel in Economy class in long-haul trips from Saturday, May 23 up to Friday, June 12, 2015. • Travel in Sleeper class from Saturday, May 13 up to Friday, June 19, 2015.
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	Buy your tickets online or call 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).

Uber-chic Aloft Hotel Detroit is hip and happening now

DETROIT -- Downtown Detroit’s hottest hotel offers uber-chic guestrooms, casual elegance, vibrant nightlife, and state of the art technology.

“Located in heart of bustling Detroit in the iconic David Whitney Building, the Aloft Hotel Detroit is perfectly situated  in the heart of  Detroit’s business, entertainment and sports districts and the first stop on the Detroit People Mover which stops at all of Detroit's major destinations,” said Susan Sereno, Director of Sales & Marketing.

 

   The historic lobby restored to its former glory at the Aloft at the David Whitney in Detroit. (Jim Fox photo)

With its location next to Comerica Park, Ford Field and Detroit’s historic Opera House, the new Aloft offers state-of-the-art technology for all of your business travel and meeting needs from one to 200 people.

Jet boat rides through Niagara River rapids back with a splash

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours has launched 23^rd season of boat tours below Niagara Falls

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. (MAY, 2015) – After one of the coldest, snowiest winters on record in Ontario, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is hitting the water to help passengers get their summers off to a thrilling start.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake tour operator has launched its 23^rd season, taking adventure-seeking visitors on unforgettable jet boat rides from the mouth of the Niagara River through the Class 5 Devil’s Hole Rapids and to just below the incredibly powerful Niagara Whirlpool. 

“We’re thrilled to be back out on the water giving passengers an experience they can’t get anywhere else in the world,” said Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours president John Kinney. “Our tours through the rapids get your heart pounding and they also give passengers a whole new perspective of the power and beauty of the Niagara River.”

Stephen Michaels – Canada’s best Elvis tribute artist launches multi-city Aloha concert tour

(News Release)

Stephen Michaels (Kabakos) widely recognized as one of the most authentic and talented Elvis Presley tribute Artists in Canada is bringing the complete ALOHA Concert Experience to several Ontario cities this fall.

This live concert event featuring Stephen Michaels and his 14 piece orchestra has been designed to replicate the famous “Aloha from Hawaii” satellite concert performed by Elvis Presley on January 14, 1973. The concert was touted as the first entertainment special to be broadcast around the world, with more than 40 countries and an estimated one Billion people receiving the broadcast.

The show promises to recreate NOTE FOR NOTE the experience and the atmosphere of what is widely seen as one of the most significant live performances in Elvis Presley’s career, and there isn’t an Elvis tribute artist better suited to put on this performance than Stephen Michaels.

With amazing accuracy, Michaels delivers an astonishing high-energy stage performance mastering the look, sound, vocal dexterity, and mannerisms of the King of Rock & Roll.

VIA Rail's annual report shows year of service milestones

Increased revenues, additional trains on key routes and stronger focus on sustainable mobility highlight VIA Rail’s performance

Montréal – As highlighted in VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) annual report, 2014 saw Canada’s national passenger rail service succeed in increasing its revenues and in effectively containing its operating deficit, while introducing innovative new products, enhanced levels of service and additional trains on key routes. VIA Rail released its annual report to the public earlier today, after it was tabled in the House of Commons.

”While challenges abound, VIA Rail’s overall 2014 performance confirms that the travelling public is buying into the solid value proposition train travel represents,” stated President and CEO Yves Desjardins-Siciliano. “Starting in the second half of the year, we saw a welcome trend of increasing revenues”. Total revenues for 2014 increased 3.7% to $280.3 million.

In keeping with its enviable position as a ‘green’ alternative for environmentally aware travellers, VIA Rail has also reinforced its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - now reflected in a new, more comprehensive CSR Report incorporated into the 2014 Annual Report.

2014 service milestones

• One more train in each direction was added to the Ottawa-Toronto service, Friday through Monday, bringing the total to 48 departures per week in each direction.

People, pets, wildflowers and wildlife return to Ontario Parks

   One-Tank Trip for May 16/15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   With the rapid ascent into summer-like weather and the trend for “staycations,” this promises to be a big year at Ontario Parks.

   The trilliums have burst into bloom in the parks and campers have returned after a long, cold winter.

   “Our booking reservations are seven percent ahead of where we were this time last year – and that was a banner year for us,” said the parks’ Andrew Chambers.

Fields of trilliums are in bloom now in Ontario Parks. (Jim Fox photo)

   Even so, ‎”there are still campsites available” throughout the provincial park system, he added.

   Go camping, eh

   With the launch of the first annual Canadian Camping Week from May 19 to 24, Ontario Parks will join with others nationally to urge people to “get out camping this spring.”

   The Canadian Camping and RV Council, along with campgrounds across Canada and their partners, offer “plenty of special events” to mark the week.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village opening for the 56th season

London, Ontario – The doors of Fanshawe Pioneer Village opened to the public today (May 16) for the 56th time.

The season starts on a high note with birthday celebrations for Her Majesty Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India on Monday, May 18^th.

Join us for 19th-century games, historical speeches and vintage baseball, all in reverence to our longest reigning monarch.

The Taming of the Shrew begins previews at the Stratford Festival

STRATFORD -- Ben Carlson and Deborah Hay star in Chris Abraham’s hilarious and touching production of The Taming of the Shrew. Previews began on May 11, at the Festival Theatre.

 

Deborah Hay, Ben Carlson. Photography by Don Dixon.

Mr. Carlson and Ms Hay reunite on the Festival stage as the sparring lovers Petruchio and Katherina. Sparks last flew between the pair when they played Benedick and Beatrice in the 2012 production of Much Ado About Nothing.

The cast also features Sarah Afful as Bianca, Peter Hutt as Baptista Minola, Cyrus Lane as Lucentio, Gordon S. Miller as Biondello, Tom Rooney as Tranio and Mike Shara as Hortensio.

Shakespeare’s outrageous comedy follows Katherina, the “shrew” of the title, who has a reputation for ill temper that so far has discouraged any potential suitors – and until a match for her can be found, her father will not countenance any proposals to her sister, Bianca. But then Petruchio, looking for a wealthy wife, decides to take up the challenge of wooing Kate. The ensuing contest of wills leads to a conclusion that has fuelled much controversy in modern times.

Visit Detroit today: summertime in The D

There’s no better time or place to celebrate cars, culture, gaming, music and sports than summer in The D. Metro Detroit’s auto events, music and art festivals, fairs and parades, exhibits and sporting events make the city a necessary and unforgettable destination.

Take in the iconic Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Detroit exhibit at the DIA, cruise the Woodward Dream Cruise, cheer for the Tigers at Comerica Park or dance the night away at the Downtown Hoedown. There are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy everything Detroit has to offer.

Start your engines for Autopalooza, the celebrated series of auto events taking place in metro Detroit all summer long. It kicks off with the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix May 29-31. Catch other classics like Greenfield Village’s Motor Muster and the Woodward Dream Cruise. Experience the cruises, races, auctions and shows that make Detroit the Motor City. For a full list of event dates, head to autopalooza.org.

Giant panda breeding program at the Toronto Zoo

Giant pandas are an endangered species and the Toronto Zoo is very proud to be participating in a giant panda conservation breeding program.

Since January 2015, Toronto Zoo staff, including reproductive scientists, veterinarians and wildlife care staff have been carefully monitoring Er Shun, the female giant panda. Earlier this week, Er Shun started showing signs of entering the breeding cycle through elevated levels of estrogen and decreased progesterone. As this critical period of estrus lasts for 24 – 72 hours and only occurs once a year, the Toronto Zoo team had to act quickly.  

As a result, Er Shun underwent two non-surgical artificial insemination (AI) procedures on Thursday, May 14th.

Paul Anka concerts postponed at Casino Rama

(News Release)
 

Originally scheduled for May 22^nd & 23rd; new performance dates September 4/5

Rama, ON (Friday, May 15, 2015) – Due to an unexpected medical situation that required major surgery, Paul Anka has been forced to postpone his upcoming engagement at Casino Rama on May 22 & 23, 2015. While expected to make a fully recovery, at this time Mr. Anka has been advised against any travel in order to fully recuperate.

The Casino & the artist apologize for any inconvenience this postponement may cause; the rescheduled performance dates will be September 4^th & 5^th, 2015.

Arrr: Beware of pirates on the Toronto waterfront

   One-Tank Trip for May 9/15

   By Jim Fox

   Shiver me timbers – pirates are going invade Toronto’s waterfront later this month.

   As well, the circus performers are coming to Harbourfront and puppets will perform in Stratford.

   Arrr, landlubbers needn’t worry but head out with the kids to have their picture taken with the motley crew.

Swashbuckling pirates are preparing to invade Toronto’s waterfront.

   Kids can hop aboard an inflatable bouncy pirate ship for a day of fun during Gangways Open presented by the Waterfront Business Improvement Area (BIA) on May 23 and 24 from noon until 5 p.m.

   It’s part of Doors Open Toronto that includes free boat rides, guided deck tours of ships and a chance to see the William Lyon Mackenzie fire boat in action.

   Waterfront fun

   Visitors can “see and experience the excitement of the waterfront,” said Carol Jolly, BIA executive director.

Go Fish! Derbies and events a hit with anglers in Ontario

   One-Tank Trip for April 25/15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Is this the year to fall hook, line and sinker for fishing?

   If so, there are numerous fishing derbies and events to help whet the appetite for the sport.

   Among the highlights at this time of year are the Orillia Perch Festival and Fish Kincardine Derby.

   In the summer is a week of “Ontario Family Fishing Events” to try to catch a big one with no licence required.

A young angler is proud of his big catch at the Orillia Perch Festival.

    Go Fish!

   Last year it was the ice-clogged Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching but now spring has sprung in Orillia and the fish are running for the 35th annual Perch Festival.

Doon Heritage Village in Kitchener opens for the season

(News Release)

WATERLOO REGION – Doon Heritage Village, the engaging and picturesque 60-acre living history village, opened for the season on May 1.

The village shows visitors what life was like in Waterloo Region in the year 1914 with restored historic buildings, farm animals, fun activities for the family to enjoy, and knowledgeable interpreters dressed in authentic 1914 clothing that bring history to life.

The Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village spring and summer operational hours are May 1 to September 7, Monday through Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stratford Festival's Hamlet starts previews

Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino’s Hamlet

begins previews

May 1, 2015… Jonathan Goad plays the title role in Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino’s visually arresting and emotionally charged production of Hamlet, one of the most renowned and celebrated of all Shakespearean tragedies. Previews began Friday, May 1, at the Festival Theatre and the production opens the 2015 season on Monday, May 25.

Last season, Mr. Goad was lauded for his Kent in King Lear, and for his remarkable versatility as he alternated the roles of Titania and Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He is well remembered for his impassioned portrayals of such key characters as the title role in The Adventures of Pericles in 2003, the Bastard in the 2004 production of King John, Iago in 2007’s Othello, Mark Antony in 2009’s Julius Caesar and Hippolytus in Phèdre that same year.

Combining elements of ghost story, political thriller and murder mystery in a drama that has fascinated critics and audiences throughout the centuries, Hamlet centres on the brooding Prince of Denmark, who discovers that his late father was murdered – by his own brother, now married to Hamlet’s mother. Sworn to vengeance by his father’s ghost, Hamlet struggles to reconcile that vow with his own sense of justice and moral integrity, as he embarks on a mission that proves far harder than he had anticipated.