'one of the masterpieces of 21st century theatre'
★★★★★
The Times
a 'fizzing, intoxicating cocktail'
★★★★★
The Stage
‘I loved it with a passion.’
★★★★★
The Guardian
"Sink down upon us. Night of love, make me forget I live."
Cornish King Mark is at war; he rules with his head not his heart. But he hasn’t counted on falling head over heels for his enemy’s sister, or expected the arrival of the enigmatic Tristan. Seen through the eyes of the Unloved, Tristan & Yseult, the most successful and beloved of all Kneehigh shows, blends comedy, live music, grand passion and tender truths, in an irresistible night of love.
This acclaimed production of Tristan & Yseult, an ancient tale of fatal adultery, catapulted Kneehigh onto the international stage and is the original tale of forbidden desires, broken hearts and the agony of choosing one human being over another.
Tristan & Yseult has been hailed by critics as ‘a triumph’, ‘deliriously joyful’, and ‘breathtaking in every respect’.
For over 30 years, Kneehigh has created vigorous, popular and challenging theatre, performing with joyful anarchy. Based in breath-taking barns on the south coast of Cornwall, it creates theatre of humanity on an epic and tiny scale, led by founder and artistic director Mike Shepherd. Director of Tristan & Yseult, Emma Rice, is a revered accomplice of Kneehigh and currently Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe in London. In addition to directing a number of Kneehigh hits, Emma is also renowned for the West End productions,The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and Oedipussy for Spymonkey.
Backstage at the Festival 19 July, 6pm
Pre–show ‘In Conversation’ with Emma Rice