Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well, two nights only

The National Theatre London's production of All's Well That Ends Well is directed by Marianne Elliott, and stars Michelle Terry and George Rainsford, with set designs by Rae Smith and lighting by Peter Mumford.

The story

Set against a background of sexism, snobbery and a battle between the generations, the play turns fairytale logic on its head. A wondrous, bitter-sweet story following the feisty, but lowly, Helena (Michelle Terry), who falls in love with Bertram (George Rainsford), a haughty count. To gain his hand, she is set a string of impossible tasks. Even if accomplished, they can hardly guarantee his love. He refuses to bed her and yet says he'll only be hers if she bears his child; and he lusts after another. Nevertheless, our heroine, whether wisely or no, refuses to give him up.

All's Well That Ends Well is one of Shakespeare's most enigmatic plays. It is part of that trio of early 17th-century works, the others being Troilus and Cressida and Measure for Measure, which are traditionally referred to as the “problem plays” or the “dark comedies”.

All's Well That Ends Well will be screened for two nights only, on 22 and 28 October at 8pm, at all seven Cinema Nouveau theatres nationwide. Ticket price is R200 per person, which includes a full red-carpet theatre experience and refreshments.

The cinemas

1. Cinema Nouveau Rosebank (Joburg)
2. Cinema Nouveau Cedar Square (Fourways, Joburg)
3. Cinema Nouveau Bedford Centre (Bedfordview, Joburg)
4. Cinema Nouveau Brooklyn Mall (Pretoria)
5. Cinema Nouveau V&A Waterfront (Cape Town)
6. Cinema Nouveau Cavendish Square (Cape Town)
7. Cinema Nouveau Gateway (Umhlanga Rocks, Durban)