Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead By Tom Stoppard Directed by Sheila Arden 16th – 23rd May 2026 About the Play: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead was first performed in 1966 at the Edinburgh Fringe. It transferred to the National Theatre and then to the West End. It is a tragicomedy that follows the titular characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, as they navigate the events of the play. As the two characters ‘wait in the wings’, in a double act reminiscent of Vladimir and Estragon from Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, they meet the Tragedians – a group of Travelling Players- and get caught up in the action of scenes from Hamlet. The play explores themes of fate, free will, and the nature of reality, and it is often seen as an example of the Theatre of the Absurd.
This amateur production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
Cast Rosencrantz: Ben DonovanGuildenstern: Sam ChampThe Player: Martin Gilby The Tragedians:Player King: Ray Currier Poisoner: Kerry Heywood First Spy: Paul Stone Second Spy: Paula Smoothy Alfred: Kyran Brooks Hamlet: David GeorgeOphelia: Alyssa Madison-SmithClaudius: Alaric VaughanGertrude: Diana Hainsworth-FraserPolonius: Clive MadelCourtier/Ambassador: Debbie BakewellCourtier/Horatio: Eleanor McEnery Creatives Director: Sheila ArdenSet Design: Sheila Arden & Set Build TeamSet Build Team: Shaun Bonner, Carole James, Karan Jones, Kevin Onley & Nick SibleyStage Manager: Louise DonovanAssistant Stage Manager: Chris ArdenRehearsal Prompt: Carrie BreedProps: Sheila ArdenCostumes: Rachel de SilvaLighting Design: Lindsay DaleLighting Operator: Michael TaylorSound Design & Operator: Howard Lukk
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