Regional Theology Forum: Shakespeare: Rebel or Reactionary?

On behalf of Tom Stuckey and myself, I am writing to inform you of the next meeting of the Southampton Regional Theology Forum of the Methodist Church, to be held from 10 am on Thursday, November 5, 2026 in Romsey Methodist Church (https://www.romseymethodist.church). 

Our discussion will be led by Damian Heywood, who is a retired teacher of English and Drama, has led the Christchurch u3a Shakespeare group since 2015. He has watched all 38 plays, in cinema style, to enjoy the ’stage not page’, and to analyse how actors and directors interpret Shakespeare’s words.

Damian’s title and introduction are:  Shakespeare: Rebel or Reactionary?

‘Once more unto the breach… To be or not to be… Life’s but a walking shadow… All the world’s a stage…’

Shakespeare explored key issues of power and conflict, life and death, love and betrayal: but did he reflect or challenge the attitudes, values and beliefs of his age?

Whether you know a great deal or very little about Shakespeare, this presentation will aim to make accessible the richness of dramas which captivated audiences more than 400 years.

This will be a morning-only meeting. We start with a welcome drink available from 9.45, and the discussion will be in a cafe-style environment, aided by the products of a Swedish Bakery, thanks to the help of our local zero-waste shop and cafe, Lemon and Jinja.  We also hope to have a table of books for sale through the Oasis Christian Centre (https://oasisromsey.co.uk/). The meeting closes at 12.00.