Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare's Globe announced on 2^nd December the productions in the 2012 season. Mark Rylance will return to the Globe with his 'Original practices' company for two productions. They will use recreated clothing, music and dance from Shakespeare's time.

Rylance will take the title role in 'Richard III' and reprise his memorable performance as Olivia in 'Twelfth Night'. Both will have all male casts. I look forward to seeing this fine actor back at the Globe.

'Henry V' will open the season as it closes the 'Globe to Globe' season. Jamie Parker will lead the cast. The fourth play on offer is 'The Taming of the Shrew'. Samantha Spiro will play the fiery Katherina.

Before the season starts in June, the Globe is presenting a season of all Shakespeare's plays, each performed in a different language. The 'Globe to Globe' festival welcomes stage companies from all over the world.

In February the Globe announced further casting. Samuel Barnett will play Sebastien in 'Twelfth Night'. He appeared in Alan Bennett's 'The History Boys' with Jamie Parker ('Henry V' here this year). In 2011 they also starred together in Stoppard's 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead'. Liam Brennan will reprise his Orsino of 2002 as will Peter Hamilton Dyer his Feste. The news that will cause the most pleasurable anticipation is that Stephen Fry joins the cast of 'Twefth Night' playing (who else?) Malvolio. My mouth positively waters!

The season's productions are:-

• Globe to Globe
• Henry V
• Richard III
• Twelfth Night
• The Taming of the Shrew

Before the season proper the 'Globe to Globe' season offers all Shakespeare's plays plus 'Venus and Adonis'. Each production is performed in a different language by performers from all over the world. The season starts on 21^st April with 'Venus and Adonis' staged by a company from South Africa. The final production will be 'Henry V' in June performed in English and starting the Globe season proper.

Jamie Parker will again take up the role of Hal whom he played in 'Henry IV' Parts 1 and 2 very successfully in the 2010 season. Globe Artistic director Dominic Dromgoole again directs.

I can't wait for this one! Mark Rylance's acting style teeters on the fence between greatness and going too far. Usually he keeps his balance and leaves memorable and moving memories. Lovable monster Crookback in his hands promises to be a treat.

Both this and 'Twelfth Night' will be directed by Tim Carroll and designed by Jenny Tiramani with music by Claire van Kampen. These were his favourite team in his Globe years, and they will return to 'original practices' with an all male cast, and clothing, music and dance faithfully recreated in the manner of Shakespeare's era.

Mark Rylance first played Olivia in the 2002 production here. On the edge again, but still a joy. That too was an all male cast, and I feared that without a strong Viola the piece would fail. Michael Brown proved my fears to be groundless then but we shall see this year. I'm optimistic though and look forward to it with great pleasure. The prospect of seeing Stephen Fry yellow cross-gartered! Roll on September!

The fourth play in the season proper will a new production directed by Toby Frow. Samantha Spiro will play the formidable Katherina.