All The World’s A Stage: From Ancient Greece to the National Theatre- 2500 Years of Theatre In An Hour!

This event will be staged instead of "Last Supper in Pompeii" which has been postponed.

Lecturer: Simon Whitehouse

Thursday 30 April 2026
 

Journey from the sun-drenched amphitheatres of ancient Athens to today's stages in this visually spectacular exploration of theatre's extraordinary evolution.

Discover how a religious festival became the foundation of Western drama, witness Roman spectacle, and trace drama's medieval rebirth. Experience Shakespeare's golden age, explore Restoration comedy's wit and scandal with its first actresses, and meet revolutionary performers like Garrick and Siddons who redefined acting.

Simon is a (recovering) actor, lecturer, presenter, Alexander Technique and voice teacher and award winning London Blue Badge guide. He has worked as a guide lecturer in house at Shakespeare’s Globe, the Royal Opera House, the BBC and the National Gallery guiding both public and private tours. He is on the faculty of Ithaca College and also lectures for the Blue Badge Guide training course on the performing arts and English literature. Simon’s specialisms and passions are theatre, literature, fashion and art history but whatever the subject, Simon will weave a wonderful story from it.