Cunard will be taking William Shakespeare to the high seas in 2022 after securing a first-of-its-kind three-year partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The Bard is no stranger to the ocean, however, with the first known performance of his work taking place on board the East India Company vessel Red Dragon … in 1607.
The ship’s captain, William Keeling, was a fan of the celebrated English playwright and he is understood to have persuaded his crew to perform three of Shakespeare’s plays during a voyage to the Spice Islands. First up was Hamlet, followed by Richard II and Twelfth Night.
Sailors were invited to watch the performances, and while their reaction is not recorded, the RSC is guaranteed an enthusiastic reception when they sail on Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic crossings from May to August and September to November.
Guests will enjoy tailored theatrical performances which will include a unique blend of Shakespeare’s iconic love scenes in a brand-new piece called Boundless as the Sea, created by Owen Horsley.
Miss Littlewood, a new musical from the RSC by Sam Kenyon exploring the life of one of theatre’s most playful and radical figures, will also make its transatlantic debut.
The Royal Shakespeare Company will be offering workshops on Queen Mary 2 and staging performances including Miss Littlewood, top of page
While on board, cast members will lead a series of workshops, and guests will also be able to access Shakespeare Tales, a series of informal events during which the actors will perform their personal favourite sonnets and speeches, and answer questions from the audience.
The Shakespeare voyages sail from 29 May until 12 August and from 15 September to 13 November, staging either Boundless as the Sea or Miss Littlewood. Dates for future years have yet to be announced.
Erica Whyman, RSC Acting Artistic Director: said: “Shakespeare’s plays allow us to imagine new and remarkable worlds. This is an exciting new venture for us, and we look forward very much to meeting new audiences on board.
“Boundless as the Sea, which is what Juliet calls her love for Romeo, will be a heart-warming taster of all the ways Shakespeare explores love and romance, and we are also very pleased to be presenting a version of the joyous, quirky and toe-tapping Miss Littlewood.”
In addition, Queen Mary 2 will host a touring exhibition, Digital Diorama: An Augmented Journey Through Shakespeare’s Stratford.
Some of the RSC’s most popular productions in recent years including Hamlet, Henry V, The Merry Wives of Windsor and As You Like it will also be screened in Queen Mary 2’s on board cinema.