Theatre / Play
[email protected]
798-5841
What if the great and tragic story of King Lear were to be told by the King’s closest companion – his own Fool? This is ‘Nearly Lear’. Seen through the eyes of Lear’s devoted clown, Norris, the story becomes not only poignant and tragic, but also mischievous, tender, and achingly funny.
Susanna Hamnett plays Norris who, in good Shakespearean tradition, is actually Noreen disguised as a boy. Fiercely devoted to the King and his daughter Cordelia, Noreen is devastated by the tragedy that befalls them. Until her father suggests that she go out and share this story with the world.
What follows then, is Noreen’s telling of the story. Borrowing generously from “that guy William Shakespeare’s” play, and helping herself liberally to his glorious language, she mixes sorrow and concern at the tragic nature of what she has to relate with her own infectious delight at playing out the characters and situations that have been so close to her heart.
An emotional roller-coaster ride that will entrance both lovers of Shakespeare as well as newcomers to the Bard, ‘Nearly Lear’ confounds expectations of what a Shakespeare play ‘should’ be and uses exuberant storytelling, music, song, and film, as well as Shakespeare’s rich poetic text to take its audience firmly into the heart of this great story.
[email protected]
798-5841
What if the great and tragic story of King Lear were to be told by the King’s closest companion – his own Fool? This is ‘Nearly Lear’. Seen through the eyes of Lear’s devoted clown, Norris, the story becomes not only poignant and tragic, but also mischievous, tender, and achingly funny.
Susanna Hamnett plays Norris who, in good Shakespearean tradition, is actually Noreen disguised as a boy. Fiercely devoted to the King and his daughter Cordelia, Noreen is devastated by the tragedy that befalls them. Until her father suggests that she go out and share this story with the world.
What follows then, is Noreen’s telling of the story. Borrowing generously from “that guy William Shakespeare’s” play, and helping herself liberally to his glorious language, she mixes sorrow and concern at the tragic nature of what she has to relate with her own infectious delight at playing out the characters and situations that have been so close to her heart.
An emotional roller-coaster ride that will entrance both lovers of Shakespeare as well as newcomers to the Bard, ‘Nearly Lear’ confounds expectations of what a Shakespeare play ‘should’ be and uses exuberant storytelling, music, song, and film, as well as Shakespeare’s rich poetic text to take its audience firmly into the heart of this great story.
Pricing & Tickets
Pricing: $15 adults / $12 students and seniors
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| Other Events at The Mermaid |
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| Sat Dec 6, 8pm A Holly Jolly Jill Barber Christmas |
| Wed Dec 10, 7:30pm Adam Baldwin |
| Sat Dec 13, 7:30pm National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (movie) |
| Mar 28, 2026, 8pm Country Boys Tribute Show |
| Apr 15, 2026, 7:30pm The Improvisers |
| May 14, 2026, 7:30pm Wintersleep |