Tuesday 25 October 2016

This day is called the feast of Crispian

Today, 25th October, is the feast day of St Crispin, forever beloved by Shakespeare fans because it provides them with an excellent excuse to chant the famous eve-of-battle speech in Shakespeare's Henry V.

He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a-tip toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.

However, St Crispin's day this year was by many Aucklanders eagerly awaited for a different reason, albeit one connected with Shakespeare...

He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say, 'Tomorrow is St Crispian.'

The Pop-Up Globe is returning this summer (glory hallelujah!) and the season dates and performances were released today, St Crispin's Day.

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.

The season runs from 23rd February to the 14th May; the plays are Othello, As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, and (appropriately, given the day of the announcement) Henry V. Full details here:


And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap while any speaks
That fought with us upon St Crispin's Day.

I cannot decide whether 25th October was deliberately chosen for the season launch, or whether it was (very) happy coincidence. (I suspect the latter as there is no mention of St Crispin anywhere in the website, or on Facebook). Oh well... it doesn't matter.

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, 
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

 The main thing is - the Pop-Up Globe is coming back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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