Shakespeare's history plays combined in new Burjesta production

Hope Street-based community theatre group Burjesta are combining nine of Shakespeare's history plays into one ambitious production in their latest show, which opens at the Casa next week. Shakespeare: War Plays will cram in 150 years of British history, from the Hundred Years War to the War of the Roses. Adapted entirely from the text of Edward III, Richard II, Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, Henry V, Henry VI Parts, 1, 2 & 3, and Richard III, Burjesta are promising "an epic tale of warfare, power and destruction". And how. Catch the company in action from March 27 to 31. Tickets (£8/£6) can be reserved in advance on 07913 449 396, or will be available on the door.Meanwhile, Potentially Brilliant Productions - an offshoot of Burjesta - brings their latest to the Casa on April 5. Refugee is a devised collaborative play that looks at the current predicaments of refugees caught up in complex international politics, militarism and exploitation, connecting these fluxes to the personal lives of people trying to survive.They say: "We hope to offer a piece of theatre that questions, has empathy and makes people more aware of the current plight of refugees throughout the world."Tickets (£5) can be reserved by phoning or texting 07590 458 297, or pay on the door. * There will be a Q & A with cast and production team members immediately following the show on Wednesday 29th.