SHAKESPEARE fans will be in for a treat when the Ucarus Theatre Collective brings Julius Caesar to The Haymarket

Set in the near future, the show combines state-of-the-art digital technology and theatrical magic to highlight the parallels between the gossips and doom-mongers of Ancient Rome, and the power of fake news to destroy our world today.

Heading the 10-strong cast as Caesar will be William ‘Will’ Travis whose previous acting credits include screen roles in Where The Heart Is, Coronation Street and Shane Meadows’ This Is England.

Basingstoke Gazette: The Ucarus Theatre Collective brings Julius Caesar to The Haymarket

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He said: “It is enthralling to be playing a divisive leader when we are seeing signs of political division in so many parts of the world and at a time when characters in the play are behaving very much like real people in real life right now.

"I find it extraordinary to hear daily news reports and realise that the tumult triggered by rivalries, plots, lies and ambition in Caesar’s time and Shakespeare’s could easily flare up again today. A case of history repeating itself all over again and adding significant extra edge to my character and the production.”

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Caesar is a divisive leader who holds awesome power. Concerned that he poses a threat to democracy, revolutionaries take the violent decision to murder him. As the world spins out of control, chaos, horror, and superstition rush in to fill the void

Shakespeare's political thriller exposes the ambiguous morality in trying to shift power. As we rage against the crises surrounding us, how far will each of us go for our political principles?

The show will run from February 27 to 29.  

For more information and to book tickets contact the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244 or visit anvilarts.org.uk.