Shared experiences of lockdown in Blackpool are reimagined in words of Shakespeare for new Grand Theatre film ‘Once More Unto The Beach’

Shakespeare Nation, Blackpool teamed with the Grand Theatre and support of the multi-award winning Royal Shakespeare Company joined forces with community groups Liberty Church, Better Start, Friends of Stanley Park and the Landlord and Hoteliers Group to produce the project.

Based on the rallying message from King Henry V to his soldiers, the piece has been reimagined for the short film ‘Once More Unto The Beach’ using people’s experiences of lockdown.

A group of residents came together weekly for online meetings and story-telling sessions, where participants were tasked in creating an alternative version of Henry V’s great battle speech.

Celine Wyatt, head of programmes and learning at Blackpool Grand, said: “We are really proud to of all our Shakespeare Champions.

“They have met regularly throughout lockdown to work with local director Jo Cleasby, RSC actors and artists.

“Together they have created the new film, where they share their experiences of lockdown through Shakespeare’s powerful stories.

“The Grand may be closed for a while but the life of the theatre carries on.”

The initiative, which forms one part of the RSC’s Shakespeare Nation adult-participation work, is aimed at vulnerable groups, many of whom are older, living in isolation.

The film can be viewed for free via Blackpool Grand Theatre’s Youtube channel.

An altered world

The Royal Shakespeare Company has been working with the Grand Theatre to reach vulnerable groups in Blackpool to explore people’s hopes and fears of re-emerging into life in a post-covid era.

Avita Jay, from the RSC Acting Company, speaking on the film project said: “It was really exciting to make a real connection with the communities.

“Performing the speech with a specific community in mind gave the words a completely new and extremely relevant perspective.

"It really brought it to life thinking about encouraging people to leave their houses after months inside.”

Elaine: It was 1947 when I was first taught Shakespeare. The teacher wasn’t inspirational as he was for others, in fact, I think he could have done with being taught it himself! It was really nothing but reading it from a book and it made no impression on me whatsoever. So I’ve never been a fan of Shakespeare up to now. I’ve learned so much, I’ve learned about the sound of it, the resonance of the text. I’ve gone from not watching it at all to now not being able to get enough of it! As far as what’s being taught to children, I think it’s wonderful. Their going to grow up loving Shakespeare, they’re not going to be like me! I can’t thank you enough.

Martin (Shakespeare Nation, Blackpool)

It was fantastic. I don’t have any pretence of wanting to be an actor but I do enjoy understanding what I’m listening to. I blame a teacher that I had many years ago, who was a Maths teacher who had to step in to teach an English class. We were doing Julius Caesar. He put a new slant on the whole thing for me by explaining the motivation of the conspirators and their reason for doing what they did. They weren’t trying to save the republic. It was political. That made me enjoy Shakespeare’s plays in a different way. I’ve taken so much from the experience – it’s been great.