Cunard Line News

Aboard Queen Mary 2's Transatlantic Crossings, Plays and Workshops by London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Set the Stage for Enriching Voyages

SOUTHAMPTON, England, June 18 PRNewswire — With Queen Mary 2's Transatlantic season underway, the accomplished actors and directors of London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) are engaged in a full programme of performances and workshops designed to engage and entertain the ship's guests. Highlights of this season's RADA programming schedule include abridged versions of Shakespeare's Richard III and Romeo & Juliet, Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood and Noel Coward's Private Lives, as well as three acting workshops led by RADA's experienced troupe. In addition, this season the RADA programme will expand to include dramatic poetry readings, often with musical accompaniment, on one evening during each Crossing.

A cornerstone of the Cunard experience, the RADA programme features a repertory troupe comprising six recent RADA graduates on the thresholds of their careers — some who have been featured in West End productions — as well as occasional appearances by distinguished alumni of the Academy. Established in 1904, RADA is one of the foremost dramatic training programmes in the world. Graduates include a "who's who" of British actors, from Sir John Gielgud and Vivien Leigh to Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joan Collins, Glenda Jackson, Peter O'Toole, Kenneth Branagh and Ralph Fiennes.

"The RADA programme offers our guests the unique opportunity to experience dramatic performances of the highest quality in the ship's extraordinary theatres," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line. "And for those who've longed to be on stage, participation in a RADA workshop is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to exercise their acting skills with a group of classically trained actors."

To get started, aspiring actors need only sign on for one (or all three) of RADA's onboard workshops. Each 50-minute workshop delves into an important aspect of the acting experience. Topics include:

— Finding Your Voice — Featuring introductory exercises demonstrating how RADA training allows actors to give their voice power and impact;

— Filling The Space — Games and exercises to help actors be aware of their body as a means of communication;

— Speaking the Speech — A chance to perform a Shakespeare monologue or poem.

Guests who attend all three workshops earn a special Cunard/RADA certificate signed by the actors.

Continuing the 169-year legacy of Cunard Line's Transatlantic heritage, Queen Mary 2 holds the distinction of being the only ocean liner providing regularly scheduled Transatlantic service between New York and Southampton. Cunard liners have long been considered among the most civilized ways to travel and Queen Mary 2 continues the romance of the ocean crossing — where White Star(TM) staff seamlessly caters to the comfort of well-heeled guests, and the fine art of conversation and dressing for dinner are events to be savored.

On a Transatlantic Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2, time seems to slow down, a benefit which gives guests ample time to experience the myriad of leisurely pursuits on board such as a wide variety of programming through Cunard Insights(TM), Cunard's award-winning onboard enrichment programme, taking a trip to the cosmos in the only planetarium at sea, enjoying afternoon tea, dancing in the Queens Room, the largest ballroom at sea, indulging in a healing spa treatment in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub(R), or tempting lady luck in the casino.

For more information about Queen Mary 2, RADA onboard or Cunard, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to http://www.cunard.com.

About Cunard Line

Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, QE2 and Queen Victoria has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service(TM), fine dining, sophisticated adventure, the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.

Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

SOURCE Cunard Line

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