Pericles has always had a disputed authorship, although modern scholarship concludes it is, at least in part, by William Shakespeare, possibly the latter half of the text. Published in 1609 it was not included in the Bard's collection of works until the third folio. It concerns one Pericles, a Prince of Tyre. who travels extensively, usually suffering bad sea conditions on the way, to find and lose love several times, have a daughter, and then believe both her and her mother dead, until a final tearful reconciliation scene. Thanks to Victorian sensitivities, it was heavily amended in the 19th century because the play involves Pericles daughter, Marina, being imprisoned in a brothel. The RSC presented it in more or less a 17th century English idea of Greek dress, with a simple staging that worked well. Alfred Enoch did a great job in the lead role, supported by an ensemble company clearly enjoying themselves. Rarely performed, so I was glad to be able to catch it.

Gallery 1 seat A 22. Painful seat.