 | | Shakespeare returns to the Factory | |
 |  | | THIS STORY LAST UPDATED:
05 December 2002 0958 GMT
It's been a very busy autumn/winter season for the Tobacco Factory with a whole host of shows. | | Twelfth Night was one of the Shakespearean highlights of 2002 | | | |
| | The season began with some "psychological illusions" with Channel 4 star Derren Brown and saw the launch of the Bedminster theatre as a touring venue.
There was also a major coup for the Factory when the National Theatre arrived with Tanika Gupta's play Sanctuary, providing a rare treat for Bristolians to see the National on tour.
But now, as the seasons move into spring, the Tobacco Factory is getting ready to do what, arguably, it does best - Shakespeare.
The company has just announced its Shakespearean productions for what is its fourth year at the Factory.
Troilus and Cressida will run from 6th February until 15th March and As You Like It from 20th March until 26th April 2003.
The plays are a real contrast. Troilus and Cressida is not one of Shakespeare's better-known plays.
Set during the Trojan Wars its often unwieldy cast of characters can be a little overwhelming.
As You Like It, meanwhile, is a light romantic comedy, always guaranteed to please the audience.
The future?
A good mix for fans of the Bard then, who may have to make the most of these classic treats with the future of the company still a little uncertain.
Originally set up for a period of five years, the founders will be meeting during the spring season to decide its future.
There is no straightforward answer from founder Andrew Hilton:
"There ought to be a very good reason for continuing, rather than there being a compelling reason to stop.
"We must assume that we stop unless there is a compelling reason to go on. And we must continue to ask the question." Exactly!
For the immediate future though, there is good news. Talks are taking place for Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory to go to the Barbican in the summer or autumn of 2004.
So it sounds as if the future is bright after all.
Booking for the coming season opens on Friday 6th December.
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