'The time will bring on summer when briars shall have leaves as well as thorns and be as sweet as sharp'

'All's Well That Ends Well' has often been described as a 'problem play'. It is neither a comedy nor a tragedy. Nor can it be grouped with the late romances, for it is very different in tone. Some detect a similarity with the dark comedies such as 'Measure for Measure" but its shadows are lighter and the atmosphere generally is much brighter.

In fact, it is the ambiguity of the play which gives 'All's Well That Ends Well' its special fascination. It is certainly a very challenging work to stage and we are very excited to be presenting it for the first time for 'Shakespeare at The George'. The play is rarely performed, which is regrettable as it is a distinguished and haunting work that manages to combine maturity and subtlety. A 'wintry play' which, nevertheless, manages to look forward to the glory of high summer as personified by the flowering of the sweet briar. We hope that the summer atmosphere of the courtyard will enable our audiences to truly appreciate this rather neglected play in the kind of setting in which it would originally have been performed.

Eric Usher
Director