All’s Well That Ends Well

Synopsis: A video recording, using a single, fixed camera, of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2004 production of All’s Well That Ends Well. Directed by Gregory Doran with Judi Dench as the Countess.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Recording date: 2004
Duration: 160 mins

Director

Gregory Doran

Writer

William Shakespeare

Music

Paul Englishby

Production Design

Stephen Brimson Lewis

Costume

Deirdre Clancy

Cast

General: The production marked the long-awaited return of Dame Judi Dench to the RSC after 25 years.

Gregory Doran wanted to relate the production to a specific moment in English history. He believes there are close parallels between William Herbert, the 3rd Earl of Pembroke, and Bertram. He is convinced that Shakespeare wrote All’s Well for the Pembrokes in order to persuade the son of the house to marry. The company visited Wilton House (near Salisbury, in Wiltshire) to do some research.
History: The production opened 3 December 2003 at the Swan Theatre and ended 7 February 2004. It then moved to the Gielgud Theatre, London 18 February-8 May 2004.
Awards: Deirdre Clancy won an Olivier Award for Costume Design.
Reviews: Detailed comments from the director, actors and actresses (including Judi Dench) on their approach to their roles and the rehearsal process, and from the production and costume designers can be read at http://www.rsc.org.uk/allswell/current/home.html

Jackson, Russell. Shakespeare Quarterly 55 (2004), pp177-99 (in review article).

Name: Royal Shakespeare Company
Web: https://www.rsc.org.uk External site opens in new window
Address: Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Waterside
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
CV37 6BB

British Universities Film & Video Council