With theatres closed across the country, there have been few productions giving notice of rehearsals commencing.

However, rehearsals will start on Monday for a new production of Hamlet - starring Ian McKellen - heralding Sean Mathias' inaugural season at the Theatre Royal Windsor produced by Bill Kenwright

As you'd expect, strict measures will be in place to ensure the safety of the company, carefully orchestrated around social distancing, screening, hygiene, and PPE, with close adherence to the latest government guidelines.

And there will be a daily review of the protection protocol based on practical considerations learnt in the rehearsal room.

Sean Mathias said ...

"I have always been a fan of ensemble work so when Bill Kenwright asked me to be his Artistic Director at Windsor I saw a perfect opportunity to create a company and direct two of the greatest plays ever written.

The disappointment at being halted by COVID 19 has now been replaced with encouraging signs that we can at least start to work on these beautiful plays with an exceptional company.

We walk a tight rope through the forest whilst we await news of when we may actually perform in front of a live audience, but it will be invigorating to leave the house and get into a rehearsal room and be a part of British Theatre returning to the boards."

Ian McKellen said ...

"I feel lucky to be working again, thanks to Bill Kenwright's inspiring optimism and Sean Mathias's invitation to re-examine Hamlet, 50 years on from my first go.

So now we will meet again.

Don't know when but do know where - Theatre Royal Windsor!"

Producer Bill Kenwright said ...

"Sean, Ian and myself have been planning this season for some time now, and the truth is I couldn't bear to see it slip away.

So a lot of more planning, a great deal of determination (and I must admit some of the things I learned prior to the return of football) has got us to the place where all things theatrical start.

Nothing is more important than this country's (and indeed the world's) health and safety, so we are not ready to announce an opening night yet - but I'm a great believer in making a start if a start is possible, and in this instance it is.

I'm hopeful we will be enjoying a Windsor season in the forthcoming months."

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