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Discover the talented artists behind the captivating new art installation that reimagines Shakespeare’s timeless play, The Winter’s Tale, in an innovative way. 

Image: Artists Courtney Richards and Neil Edward at The Stage.

The Stage is Set: ‘Winter’s Ethereal Glow’ is a collaboration with the UK’s largest and leading mural-painting organisation Global Street and Art and features a series of striking displays at The Stage both on and inside its windows, offering a unique and modern interpretation of The Bard’s work.

In this discussion, we go behind the windows and hear the artists’ insights on the key themes from The Winter's Tale that inspired the works, particularly the ideas of transformation, storytelling, and the passage of time.

Can you guide us through your creative process and how you approached this project?

Neil: When we were first briefed on the project, I was really interested in how to best use light as the defining motif for the piece, and stained glass was the perfect medium to harness this. I have always wanted to use the medium in my own artwork and this was a great opportunity to tackle it. The style of traditional stained glass really fits the style of my paintings, which balances photoreal elements with more abstract forms, silhouettes and geometry.

What inspired the final design? Were there particular moments or themes from the play that you wanted to emphasise? 

Courtney: The final design draws on key imagery from The Winter’s Tale, illustrated in a silhouetted style to evoke a theatrical stage set. It also pays homage to the area's rich history, referencing The Stage as a venue for some of Shakespeare’s early plays.

Neil: I wanted to create a narrative that ran through the piece, so it read in a kind of comic book style. I chose to focus on the key scenes of Hermione’s imprisonment, Antigonus’s death at the hands of the bear, and the play’s climax which sees Hermione’s statue come to life.

What creative techniques and methods did you use to bring this installation to life? 

Courtney: The installation came to life through a mix of techniques and a collaborative effort. Workshop assistants cut the shapes from MDF, while carpenters built the stage set, making it a true team achievement.

Neil: Producing authentic stained glass takes decades to master, so our workshop technician Greg and I devised an effective replica by machining the design into wood panels. I then used specialist glass paints to painstakingly hand paint the windows to achieve the desired effect.

Neil’s use of light and stained glass as a medium portrays the play’s theme of revelation, particularly in moments of personal and emotional transformation, such as Hermione’s resurrection. Courtney’s focus on silhouette and theatrical stage sets mirrors the play’s dramatic structure, emphasising the shift from darkness and tragedy to light and renewal. 

Which elements of the installation are your personal favourites and what makes them stand out to you? 

Courtney: I love how the three installations—the two window displays and the giant vinyl design—interact to tell The Winter’s Tale through different lenses.

Neil: My installation really comes into its own at night. The warm backlighting casts coloured light onto the glossy black floor and produces a beautifully immersive effect.

Neil’s take on the immersive effect of the backlighting at night echoes the play's magical moments, where light and shadow reflect the changes in the characters’ fates. 

What do you hope visitors will take away from their experience with the installation?

Courtney: I hope to spark curiosity about the area’s rich history while brightening the space and inspiring visitors.

Neil: I would love to feel like mine and Court’s installations could inspire a few people. Shakespeare’s rich personal history in the area isn’t as well-known as it should be, so it feels good to be a part of bringing it to more people’s attention.

Both artists aim to inspire curiosity and bring attention to the history of the area as much as the play does through its themes of memory, history and redemption.

The installations are now available for viewing at The Stage throughout January 2025. During your visit discover more amazing artwork such as ‘Together We Rise’ by Sophie Mess and restaurants such as Sushi Revolution and soon to open The Black Cow.