Stratford-upon-Avon & RSC: Pericles at The Swan

 

Pericles, Prince of Tyre is a story of a family separated at sea and brought together again by fate. When Prince Pericles solves a riddle set by the King, he knows the answer could get him killed. Fleeing for safety, he finds himself swept away on an epic voyage that will see him battle princes, marry his true love and become a father. But this is also a journey of storms and shipwrecks, abduction and devastating loss. Adrift in an ocean of grief, Pericles wonders if he will ever see his family again. Pericles was Shakespeare's first full-blown tragicomedy, the precursor to The Winter's Tale, Cymbeline and The Tempest, and one of his most popular plays in the seventeenth century. Rarely performed, it was treat to see The Royal Shakespeare Company's tremendous performance at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

With stunning panoramic views from the third floor of the Royal Shakespeare Company's theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon, we had made luncheon reservations before seeing the afternoon performance of 'Pericles'. Seated at a quiet waterside side table overlooking the River Avon and surrounding countryside, the views were outstanding, as was Chef Iain Miller's cuisine. After our delicious lunch, we took our third row centre seats at The Swan Theatre, and eagerly awaited Shakespeare’s stirring tale of love, hope and miracles that marked the RSC debut of Tamara Harvey, as Co-Artistic Director of Pericles. With extraordinary performances by all the fine actors who commanded to stage, Pericles was an absolute treat from start to finish. Already looking forward to the next time we're in Stratford to see another production by the RSC.

Entrance to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon

The Rooftop Restaurant on the third floor of The Royal Shakespeare Theatre

The more casual portion of the restaurant

Our quiet waterside table overlooking the River Avon

A large bouquet of flowers beside our table

View overlookking the River Avon, Park and 15th-century Clopton Bridge in the distance

Swans are protected by law, and their presence adds to the idyllic atmosphere to Stratford's riverside

We began our lunch with a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut champagne

The RSC Rooftop Restaurant menu

Watercress and Garden Pea Soup with tahini cream and black sesame seeds

garnished with sprouts

Warm Stilton and Pear Tart with toasted walnuts and rocket leaf salad

Gavi Ca’ Bianca

Confit duck leg, pressed potato, tender stem broccoli, sage and blackberry jus

Pan roasted sea bass, lemon crushed potatoes, samphire and wilted spinach with chive butter sauce

White chocolate and orange teardrop tart with brandy snap and candied orange

Chef Iain Miller of The Royal Shakespeare Theatre's Rooftop Restaurant 

Arriving for an afternoon performance of 'Pericles' at The Swan Theatre 

Alfred Enoch gives a compelling performance as Pericles with Leah Haile as his wife Thaisa

Photo courtesy of Johan Persson

Talented Rachelle Deidericks as Marina, the daughter of Pericles and Thaisa

Photo courtesy of Johan Persson

Alfred Enoch is best known for his roles as Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter films 

and as Wes Gibbins in 'How to Get Away with Murder'

Photo courtesy of Johan Persson

www.rsc.org.uk