“Roberto Devereux” (1837) saw the light of day during a period of intense creativity for Donizetti. After its premiere and up until 1848, Devereux was performed almost uninterruptedly. In the years that followed it would also enjoy a successful international career, throughout Europe and in the Americas, with versions in French, German, Russian, and Hungarian. When Donizetti moved to Paris in 1838, he enriched the opera with the overture that paraphrases the British anthem “God Save The Queen.” The Queen dominates from her very entrance, a true protagonist, here performed by the great Mariella Devia: her pure voice, perfect intonation, great stage presence, all combined with the technical qualities of her voice, led to an extended standing ovation. It was a great success, too, for Sonia Ganassi (Sarah) and the tenor Stefan Pop (Devereux).

Hamlet has the world at his feet. Young, wealthy and living a hedonistic life studying abroad. Then word reaches him that his father is dead. Returning home he finds his world is utterly changed, his certainties smashed and his home a foreign land. Struggling to understand his place in a new world order he faces a stark choice. Submit, or rage against the injustice of his new reality. Simon Godwin directs Paapa Essiedu as Hamlet in Shakespeare’s searing tragedy. As relevant today as when it was written, Hamlet confronts each of us with the mirror of our own morality in an imperfect world. “…an utterly engaging performance by Paapa Essiedu.” (The Times) “This is a landmark production; Paapa Essiedu is the first black actor to play Hamlet for the RSC in its 55-year history. He is charismatic, capricious and compelling: an impulsive, arresting presence at the heart of a production that reframes the dilemmas in the play by setting it in an unnamed African state.” (The Financial Times)

King Lear has ruled for many years. As age begins to overtake him, he decides to divide his kingdom amongst his children, living out his days without the burden of power. A proud man, he allows vanity to cloud his judgement, believing that he can relinquish the crown, but enjoy the same authority and respect he has always known. Misjudging his children's loyalty he soon finds himself stripped of all the trappings of state, wealth and power he had taken fro granted. Alone in the wilderness he is elft to confront the mistakes of a life that has brought him to this point. Following his performance as Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's great 20th century American tragedy Dealth of a Salesman, Antony Sher returns to play King Lear, one of the greatest parts written by Shakespeare.

King Lear has ruled for many years. As age begins to overtake him, he decides to divide his kingdom amongst his children, living out his days without the burden of power. A proud man, he allows vanity to cloud his judgement, believing that he can relinquish the crown, but enjoy the same authority and respect he has always known. Misjudging his children's loyalty he soon finds himself stripped of all the trappings of state, wealth and power he had taken fro granted. Alone in the wilderness he is left to confront the mistakes of a life that has brought him to this point. Following his performance as Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's great 20th century American tragedy Dealth of a Salesman, Antony Sher returns to play King Lear, one of the greatest parts written by Shakespeare.

A film drama about a man who, by his death at 36, had composed some of the most perfect gems of English songwriting and elevated hedonism to an art form.

Hamlet has the world at his feet. Young, wealthy and living a hedonistic life studying abroad. Then word reaches him that his father is dead. Returning home he finds his world is utterly changed, his certainties smashed and his home a foreign land. Struggling to understand his place in a new world order he faces a stark choice. Submit, or rage against the injustice of his new reality. Simon Godwin directs Paapa Essiedu as Hamlet in Shakespeare's searing tragedy. As relevant today as when it was written, Hamlet confronts each of us with the mirror of our own morality in an imperfect world. "... an utterly engaging performance by Paapa Essiedu." (The Times) "This is a landmark production; Paapa Essiedu is the first black actor to play Hamlet for the RSC in it's 55-year history. He is charismatic, capricious and compelling: an impulsive, arresting presence at the heart of a production that reframes the dilemmas in the play by setting it in an unnamed African state." (The Financial Times)

Love is a burning thing. Direction: James Mangold Actors: Dallas Roberts, Dan John Miller, Ginnifer Goodwin, Joaquin Phoenix, Larry Bagby, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Patrick, Shelby Lynne Special Features: Director Commentary Widescreen, 2.35:1 format. Language: English / Add. French, Spanish / Sub. English, Spanish Year: 2005 Runtime: 136 minutes

Coal Miner's Daughter is the amazing true story based on the book Loretta Lynn wrote with George Veesey. It was the first country musician autobiography to hit the bestseller list and sold more than a million copies in six weeks. When bringing Loretta's story to the screen, director Michael Apted assembled an incredible cast: Sissy Spacek (who won an Oscar for her role), Tommy Lee Jones, Beverly D'Angelo and Levon Helm. What resulted is a remarkable tale of a rousing love affair and a woman's triumph in making her name in the world.

The life of legendary country singer Patsy Cline is powerfully brought to the screen. From her climb to fame and fortune, though her passionate and turbulent marriage, this is the unforgettable story of the tragically shortlived performer of "I Fall to Pieces," "Sweet Dreams" and other great coutnry classics. Starring Jessica Lang and Ed Harris. (1985) Running time: 115 minutes.