Globe Education Online

Hermione [Yolanda Vazquez] and Leontes [Paul Jesson]. Photo: Andy Bradshaw

directed by John Dove

Leontes, King of Sicilia, is convinced that his wife Hermione has committed adultery. So blind is his rage that even a proclamation from the Oracle of Apollo fails to convince Leontes of Hermione's innocence. His implacable jealousy has terrible consequence, leading to a rupture of his lifelong friendship with the King of Bohemia, and the death of his wife and son.

Only Leontes' infant daughter Perdita, sent to her death but saved by shepherds in Bohemia, survives to redeem the story.

Creative Team

Master of Play - John Dove
Master of Historical Music/ Musical Arrangements - William Lyons
Master of the Words - Giles Block
Master of Movement - Glynn MacDonald

Cast

Sam Alexander - Young Shepherd/Officer
Penelope Beaumont - Paulina
Philip Bird - Camillo
Peter Forbes - Polixenes
Colin Hurley - Autolychus
Paul Jesson - Leontes
Roger McKern - Dion/Time/Second Gentleman
Thomas Padden - Cleomenes/First Gentleman/Mariner/Servant
Edward Peel - Antigonus/Third Gentleman
Juliet Rylance - Perdita
Hayley Jayne Standing - Dorcas/Emilia/Gentleman
David Sturzaker - Florizel
Yolanda Vazquez - Hermione
Roger Watkins - Old Shepherd
Liana Weafer - Mopsa/Mamillius

Discover the Play

• Discover other performances of The Winter's Tale at Shakespeare's Globe:

- The Winter's Tale (2008)

• Discover the actors' experiences making the production in Adopt An Actor:

- Yolanda Vazquez as Hermione
- Penelope Beaumont as Paulina
- Juliet Rylance as Perdita
- Peter Forbes as Polixenes

The Winter's Tale was performed in 2005, as part of the Season of the World and the Underworld.