Set within a contemporary social care system, King Lear reimagines Shakespeare's tragedy through the story of a community leader whose advancing dementia forces his family and professionals to confront difficult questions about care, autonomy and responsibility.

Following a hospital admission, Lear insists on choosing which daughter should manage his care — rewarding flattery over honesty, and cutting out his youngest, Cordelia. As his condition deteriorates, he loses not only independence but identity, moving between wards and assessments while control shifts to others.A compassionate dementia nurse becomes his closest companion as family, memory and power fracture around him — with tragic consequences.

Theatre Space North East return with a hard-hitting large-cast production,, in a modern verse translation by Marcus Gardley in association with Play On Shakespeare.

Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a splash of Regency-era scandal and sparkle this summer, as Theatre Space North East return for their third dazzling large-cast production at the festival.

Expect shades of Bridgerton-meets-the-Bard alongside the excess, yellow stockings, cakes and ale that regularly feature in this larger-than-life celebration of love, in a modern verse translation by Alison Carey in association with Play On Shakespeare.