Lear’s Shadow

At the end of Shakespeare’s play, Lear dies.

His last words are “Look, there.” His faithful follower and protector, Kent, wishes him a speedy release. “Break heart”, he urges.

What I’m wondering is: what happens then?

Come on, we all wonder that, sometimes, don’t we? What happens after you die?

Well, that’s where this show starts…

Using only Shakespeare’s words — reordered, repurposed, and oft repeated — Lear’s Shadow is a mischievous, engaging reflection on Shakespeare’s great domestic tragedy.

Content Warning: this piece contains vivid depictions of Very Poor Parenting.

Colin has been acting for fifty years, mostly in plays by dead people. After ten years in various Rep Theatres — Salisbury, Leatherhead, Ipswich, Clwyd, Chester — he went on to perform with The Royal National Theatre (including a world tour of Richard III and King Lear), The Royal Shakespeare Company (most recently as Brabantio in Othello), and Shakespeare’s Globe, where he appeared in a couple of dozen productions including Toby Belch in Twelfth Night at The Globe, in the West End and on Broadway.

For the first half of 2026 he has been touring the North of England with Hull Truck Theatre Company, playing Duncan and The Porter in Macbeth, as well as pop-up performances of Lear’s Shadow in The Godber Studio, Derby Studio, and Manchester’s 53two.

A dedicated Theatre Bunny, Colin has also occasionally appeared on screen. Recent TV includes Dreamland, Stath Lets Flats and Flowers. Films include Black Pond, The Darkest Universe and Portraits of Dangerous Women. He also teaches classical acting students at LAMDA and trains with experimental pop-up guerrilla theatre company The Factory.

Four sons. Four. He counted them. No other pets.

Also with Colin — 20 September

The day after the show, Colin will be leading a performance workshop at the Badhuistheater. More details and tickets coming soon.

Watch this space — or check the full programme below.