Dr. Sophie Tomlinson, Senior lecturer in English and Drama at the University of Auckland offers her insights into the decades of Summer Shakespeare productions, the performers and the performances.

Recorded live on World First Folio Day, 23 April 2023.

You can view a digital copy of the Auckland Libraries' First Folio here:

https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/rarebooks/id/12779/rec/1

or check digital comparisons: www.firstfolios.com

Find out more about Folio 400 here: https://folio400.com/celebration-2023/

Read more here: http://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2023/05/readers-and-readings-traces-of-use-in.html

"At the start of Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories & tragedies, otherwise known as the ‘First Folio’, there’s a note from Shakespeare’s former colleagues to the book’s potential consumers. “To the great Variety of Readers”, it begins, before outlining the reasons people might want to buy – and read – this unprecedented collection of plays".

Image: Sophie Tomlinson presents at World First Folio Day, April 2023. Photograph by Jane Wild.

Music Credit: Seringapatam composed by Bruce Paine played by Chris Everest at Auckland Libraries Heritage Concert 2023