Redbridge Stage Company

Shakespeare's play tells the story of the middle-aged Leontes, King of Sicilia, and his childhood friend Polixenes, the king of Bohemia. Leontes mistakenly believes that his friend is having an affair with his wife, Hermione. Consumed by jealousy, he tries to murder Polixenes, who flees, and accuses his wife of adultery. Hermione gives birth to a baby girl, Perdita, who Leontes denounces as illegitimate, and casts her out into the wilderness. Their son, Mamillius, dies of grief and Hermione collapses, apparently dead. Leontes is left to pick up the tragic consequences of his actions.