| C U L T U R E | Set in Florence during the summer of 1953, this heart- wrenching love story invites us into the world of Margaret Johnson and her daughter Clara. As they take in the wonders of the city, a fateful gust of wind whisks Clara’s hat into the hands of local dreamer Fabrizio Naccarelli. SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE 56 PARK STREET, SE1 9AR Henry IV Part I (To 11 October) by William Shakespeare Two Harrys: Harry Hotspur and Prince Hal. Sons to enemy fathers: Henry Percy and King Henry IV. Henry V (To 11 October) by William Shakespeare There’s trouble brewing between England and France… As King Henry V attempts to prove himself a worthy ruler, he brazenly lays claim to parts of France. The Merry Wives of Windsor (To 12 October) by William Shakespeare Double-meanings, disguises and dirty laundry abound as Sir John Falstaff sets about improving his financial situation by wooing Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE 77-85 NEWINGTON CAUSEWAY, SE1 6BD Afterglow (To 20 July) by S Asher Gelman Josh and Alex are a married couple in an open relationship. But after young Darius shares their bed for a night, a new intimate connection begins to form. Fiver (3 To 20 July) by Alex James Ellison and Tom Lees A new musical follows the story of a humble five pound note as it passes through the hands and pockets of people in London. Often unnoticed and obviously unaware, the fiver is present for significant moments in each person’s life. Once On This Island (9 To 31 August) by Lynn Ahrens, music by Stephen Flaherty The story begins on a Caribbean island where villagers comfort a little girl with the legend of the romance of the peasant orphan Ti Moune, and a rich city boy whom she saves from death. THE OLD VIC 103 THE CUT, SE1 8NB Present Laughter (17 June To 10 August) by Noel Coward As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching. A Very Expensive Poison (From 19 August) by Lucy Prebble A shocking assassination in the heart of London. In a bizarre mix of high-stakes global politics and radioactive villainy, a man pays with his life. At this time of global crises and a looming new Cold War, A Very Expensive Poison sends us careering through the shadowy world of international espionage from Moscow to Mayfair. THE VAULTS LAUNCELOT STREET, SE1 7AD Black is the Color of My Voice (27 June To 13 July) by Apphia Campbell Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Black Is The Color Of My Voice follows a successful jazz singer and civil rights activist seeking redemption after the untimely death of her father. The Falcon’s Malteser (20 July To 25 August) by Anthony Horowitz Acclaimed stage version of Anthony Horowitz’s hilarious novel introducing the Diamond Brothers Detective Agency. Tim is the world’s worst private investigator, so can the help of his clever younger brother Nick be enough to crack their toughest case yet? A solitary box of Maltesers is delivered by a miniature Mexican, but what’s so special about these chocolates that half of London’s criminal underworld are willing to kill for them? THE YOUNG VIC 66 THE CUT, SE1 8LZ Death of a Salesman (To 13 July) by Arthur Miller Following her recent award-winning success for Company and Angels in America, Marianne Elliott co- directs with Miranda Cromwell, bringing a unique vision to one of the greatest plays of the twentieth century, seen through the eyes of an African American family. Tree (29 July To 24 August) Created by Idris Elba & Kwame Kwei-Armah Idris Elba and Kwame Kwei-Armah’s electrifying new blend of drama, music and dance follows one man’s journey into the heart and soul of contemporary South Africa – with the audience at the centre of the action. It’s just 12 hours from London to his parents’homeland, but to Kaleo (Alfred Enoch), South Africa is another world. THE RIVER MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 25