Bristol Theatre News

Cast Announced for The Winter’s Tale at Tobacco Factory Theatres

Tobacco Factory Theatre’s spring Shakespeare brings together exciting local cast

Casting has been announced for The Winter’s Tale at Tobacco Factory Theatres this spring, which the theatre is calling a ‘celebration of local talent’.

It’s part of Artistic Director Heidi Vaughan’s vision to bring together creatives from across the south west region – specifically within 25 miles of Bristol itself.

“I’m incredibly proud that we’ve assembled both the cast and production team for this show entirely from the remarkable talent in our region,” Vaughan says.

“As our largest production since the pandemic, it’s a testament to the strength and quality of the South West’s creative community.”

Cast Announced for The Winter's Tale at Tobacco Factory Theatres

The cast ranges from theatre heavy-weight Felix Hayes, to TV stalwart Bill Ward and includes early career actors.

It’s an exciting show for the Bristol theatre. The Winter’s Tale marks its first big production since the pandemic.

Tobacco Factory Theatres will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary in three years time. During that time, it has gained a reputation for both staging and hosting exciting Shakespeare productions.

The Winter’s Tale has been chosen specifically because it brings together comedy, tragedy and romance in one, making it one of Shakespeare’s more unique plays.

“This production will explore the play’s dramatic shifts—from the jealousy and heartbreak of its tragic beginnings to the humour and joy of its romantic resolution—offering audiences a rich and varied theatrical experience, particularly those new to Shakespeare, Vaughan says.”

As well as being a creative choice, the run will also embrace the theatre’s aim to remove barriers for audiences, giving as many people as possible the chance to experience live theatre.

It will include BSL Interpreted Performances as well as a Relaxed Performance, making the play welcoming to neurodivergent audience members.

The Winter’s Tale will be at Tobacco Factory Theatres from 20 February – 29 March 2025

Accessible Performances:

BSL Interpreted Performances
Friday 21 March at 7.30pm
Saturday 22 March at 2pm

Relaxed Performance
Monday 24 March at 7.30pm

For more information or to book, visit: https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/

Cast and Creatives
Hermione/Mopsa – Alice Barclay
Polixenes/Lord Sicilia – Bill Ward
Leontes – Felix Hayes
Paulina/Dorcas – Rose Wardlaw 
Camillo – Dorian Simpson
Shepherd/Cleomenes – Amy Lougton
Clown/Dion – Corrina Buchan
Florizel/Archidamas – Jacob Aldcroft
Perdita/Emilia – Genevieve Sabherwal  
Antigonus/Autolycus – Stu Mcloughlin

Director – Heidi Vaughan
Producer – Sian Weeding
Production Manager – Ed Borgnis
Designer – Edwina Bridgeman
Composer/Musical Director – Ian Ross
Movement Director – Laila Dialo
Assistant Movement Director – Ania Varez
Lighting Designer – Imogen Senter
Sound Designer – Liz Purnell
Company Stage Manager – Lizzie Laycock
Assistant Stage Manager – Eve Richardson

Backstage Bristol Theatre news, reviews, arts and culture
Home: https://backstagebristol.com/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chopsybristol.bsky.social
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@chopsybristoltt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagebristol
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chopsybaby

Check Out Our Calendar for forthcoming events