An enthralled and packed house at Haddenham Community Library celebrated Shakespeare's birthday on Tuesday morning 24th April, at 'Brunch with Bruce'.
Local actor and historian Bruce Alexander was joined by Sophie Franklin to read, or rather perform, excerpts from works by Shakespeare. In celebration of 100 years of female franchise, there was an appropriate theme of fathers and daughters,including Juliet's relationship with her father.
They performed excerpts from Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, Henry V, Macbeth and King Lear, as well as four sonnets. Sophie also sang unaccompanied and beautifully.
The morning included a break for drinks and pastries, provided by the library staff and volunteers, before the second half of the performance.
Bruce was encouraged to to speak about his recent ebook, downloadable here, in which he recounts and explains the historical background of many names used by Shakespeare for his characters, knowledge of which can enhance our appreciation of his plays.
Sophie, who grew up in Haddenham, tells us, self-effacingly, that her career to date includes work at the Old Vic and two seasons with the Oxford Shakespeare Company who will be playing Love's Labours Lost in Wadham College Gardens, Oxford later this summer.
Bruce and Sophie may well be prevailed upon to return!
