Guardian Theatre Critic Michael Billington gives high praise for Tyndale in David Edgar's new production 'Written on the Heart' at The Swan, Stratford-upon-Avon."No one could accuse the British theatre of ignoring the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. And David Edgar has come up with a learned, information-packed and engrossing play that sees the Authorised Version in its historical context. Like Howard Brenton in Anne Boleyn, Edgar also finds a hero in the outlawed William Tyndale, whose mission was to translate the scriptures into a readily understandable vernacular."
"Edgar's larger purpose is to demystify the King James Bible: to prove that it was both a product of its time and a composite of previous translations... Tyndale is a radical appalled to find a church that still relies on chalices and altar rails, and a new version of the Bible that sacrifices meaning to music. You don't have to be a scholar to follow the argument, since Edgar gives us plenty of textual evidence and, even if his play requires an interest in history, it exposes the divisions that today still rend the Anglican church."
"Stephen Boxer captures all the fire and anger of the pathfinding Tyndale."
There is still plenty of time to catch the play for those who haven't seen it yet, as the production runs until 10th March 2012. For booking details click here.
To read the full review on the Guardian's website click here.
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