The Winter's Tale is one of Shakespeare's late plays and deals with themes which seem to have preoccupied him late in his life, those of guilt and retribution. A king driven mad with morbid jealousy, accuses and convicts his innocent wife with adultery and treason, and orders their new born baby be abandoned on some foreign shore. The kingdom is plunged into chaos, old friends and allies escape abroad.

The story is taken up fifteen years later when the wronged and innocent parties are re-united with a king who has since come to his senses and now lives in a state of perpetual grief and regret. In its miraculous final scene, Shakespeare reveals his belief that no matter how horrific our sins, forgiveness is always possible.

The RSC’s 1998/99 production of The Winter's Tale, performed at the Barbican Theatre, London, is presented here for the first time in a complete and un-edited edition. This landmark production was hailed by critics and played to packed houses both in Stratford and London.

Special Features:

• 30 minute documentary