The Two Noble Kinsmen

Where every seeming good’s a certain evil”

A true breakthrough, and a company with a particular edge, youth theatre company, Roaring Voices, is bringing Shakespeare back to the centre of the community, where his work belongs. Shakespeare wrote his work to be performed, not to be read. Full bloodied, lively, fierce, flawed, loving, men and women inhabit the worlds he creates. Humanity is there in all its different shapes and guises.

The young company work together intensively, and perform with confidence and clarity. This season, they will bring you The Two Noble Kinsmen, in an energy-filled performance.

Following the success of Roaring Voices’ first production, this is the company’s second opportunity to allow new talent to give Shakespeare’s work expression through their own contemporary experiences.

This little-known Shakespearian tale tells the story of cousins valiantly battling for native city and the pursuit of a hand in marriage.

On the day planned for his wedding to Hippolyta, Duke Theseus of Athens is petitioned by three queens to go to war against King Creon of Thebes, who has deprived their dead husbands of proper burial rites. In Thebes, the ‘two noble kinsmen’, cousins Palamon and Arcite, realise that their own hatred of Creon’s tyranny must be put aside while their native city is in danger, but in spite of their valour in battle it is Theseus who is victorious.

Imprisoned in Athens, the cousins catch sight of Hippolyta’s sister, Emilia, and both fall instantly in love with her. Will they fight to the death for her hand in marriage?