Following the success of their open-air June production of Julius Caesar, Ad Lib Theatre Company are back with another tale from Shakespeare’s Roman set, this time by candlelight at Newport Minster.

Directed by Si Lynch (Julius Caesar, Hamlet), the company are delighted to be presenting Coriolanus, the story of a famed Roman general who wins a war for Rome and sidesteps into politics – and out of his comfort zone – with disastrous consequences.

Emily Scotcher, whose portrayal of Cassius in Julius Caesar drew many plaudits from the audience, takes the title role of Martius Caius ‘Coriolanus’: A seasoned thespian from a young age, Emily is known for her musical and panto roles as well as her extensive Shakespearean experience, having played Hamlet, Lady Macbeth, Antipholus of Syracuse and Kate in The Taming of the Shrew over the last few years.

Andy Kay, who in Julius Caesar played Cassius’ co-conspirator, the ‘noble’ Brutus, now takes on the challenging role of Aufidius, leader of the Volsces, sworn enemies of Rome, and of Coriolanus himself. Many of the other cast members have also taken lead roles in past Shakespeare productions and bring their considerable talent and experience to Ad Lib’s latest production.

Coriolanus is a man loved by the army and by the elite, but hated by the general public, so when the Tribunes – the people’s voices in the Senate – see an opportunity to have him ousted from his new position of power, they seize it with both hands. What follows is a story of betrayal on many fronts, of hate, of love, of pride, of friendship, of envy, and above all else…of humanity and its flaws.

One of Shakespeare’s later plays, this version has been abridged to hold onto the spirit, rhythm and flow of the original but with an increased focus on the intensity of both action and emotion as Coriolanus battles with what it means to be human – what it means to be a leader – and grapples with the price of pride…and the impact of the subsequent fall.

Against the backdrop of the historic Newport Minster, and with a cast of Island talent, action-packed fight choreography, fantastic costumes, music composed especially for the show, and above all a gripping story, this production is set to be well and truly memorable.

The show runs on 28^th and 29^th November at 7pm, and on 30^th November at 4:30pm, with tickets priced at just £10 for adults and £8 for students, frozen for the third year running in Ad Lib’s mission to keep Shakespeare accessible and enjoyable for all – just as the Bard himself intended.

Tickets are available to book from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ad-lib-theatre.