Wargrave Theatre Workshop presents
THE WINTER'S TALE
by William Shakespeare

9 - 11th June 2005
Woodclyffe Hall

Directed by Joe Haynes

The action of the play takes place in the kingdoms of Sicilia and Bohemia.

ACT ONE At the Court of Sicilia, King Leontes entertains his childhood friend, Polixenes. He deludes himself into believing that Polixenes is having an affair with his wife, Hermione. Polixenes is forced to flee Sicilia in fear of his life.

ACT TWO Leontes accuses Hermione, who is heavily pregnant, of adultery and has her thrown into prison. Hermione gives birth to a baby daughter and in spite of the pleadings of her friend Paulina, Leontes orders the banishment of the baby to a far off place 'where chance may nurse or end it'

ACT THREE Hermione is brought to trial and condemned by Leontes. A Messenger from Apollo declares her to be innocent but Leontes refuses to accept this. Tragic news is brought of the death of their young son, Mamillius. Hermione swoons and dies - Leontes repents and begins a life of penance. Meanwhile, the baby is abandoned on a faraway shore in Bohemia and is found by a shepherd and his son.

ACT FOUR Sixteen years have passed and in Bohemia King Polixenes is having trouble with his son Florizel, who neglects his courtly duties and has fallen in love with a pretty shepherdess, Perdita. They are discovered by Polixenes at a sheep shearing feast and forbidden to marry. The lovers flee to Sicilia and present themselves to Leontes.

ACT FIVE Reconciliation, and a final tribute to Hermione.