The tale of Cymbeline's daughter - recentred

Shakespeare's Cymbeline is re-imagined and refocused for the 21st century in this new production at the Globe Theatre. Matthew Dunster directs this powerful drama as part of Emma Rice's Wonder Season at the popular Southbank venue.

When Imogen (Eastenders' Maddy Hill), the daughter of King Cymbeline marries her lover Posthumous, her father is furious with her decision, and violently tears them apart, by sending the groom away. As Posthumus' absence leads to malicious rumours about Imogen, she soon finds herself in a two-fold fight; to clear her name of adultery and to allay the suspicions of her husband, as well as finally standing up for herself against her controlling father in order to gain the life she deserves.

Despite the play Cymbeline falling out of favour with 18th century critics who disparaged the character of Imogen as "artless", it has made a comeback in recent years with a more feminist outlook. This new take on the old tale paints a disturbing tale of patriarchy that remains as true today as it was in the Bard's time.