20 to 28 June 2014

in the Studio Theatre

The Herbal Bed

by Peter Whelan

directed by Tamsin Fraser

The Herbal Bed is set in Stratford upon Avon in the summer of 1613. Susanna, William Shakespeare's eldest daughter, is accused of an affair with friend and neighbour Rafe Smith. Her husband, respected physician John Hall, is desperate to clear the family name and pushes her to sue for slander. But how can they avoid the fact that one summer's night while her husband was away, Rafe Smith was seen secretly leaving their herb garden?

Three people's private lives are subjected to the glare of intense public scrutiny in this tale of passion, loyality, independence and religion.

Review