2.1: Inside the Programmes

As noted from the analysis of my parents' interviews, my mum preferred the older programme covers, stating they were more inspiring and imaginative, particularly referenced the 1985 "Merry Wives of Windsor" programme, saying that the cover theme was a really strong, playful 50's illustration that developed through the content of the rest of the inside of the programme.

This made me wonder what the insider of some of the other programmes looked like, whether they represent their cover image as well, and the comparison of the newer ones with the older ones.

Merry Wives of Windsor (1985)

This is my Mum's favourite, and you can see how the inside looks like an old 50's women's magazine, with all the informative content within the structure and 'articles'.

All's Well That Ends Well (1980s)

As one of the earlier programmes, this was one of the most colourful. Most of the others are only two tone, and a few pages long. The illustrative style of the cover follows through quite effectively in the inside.

Twelfth Night (1990s)

This is another example of the earlier programmes. Again the cover illustrations are found throughout the programme and the colours are monotone.

Othello (1990s)

Another programme from the 90s, again with only monotone colours. The inside reflects the cover to some extent but it is not as obvious as the previous examples. It also reminds me of being quite 'retro' and seems to be a good example of the popular graphic style at the time!?

A Midsummer Night's Dream (2000s)

This is one of the first programme covers which started using the red logo block in the corner and the typical A4 (ish) size format. This one uses traditional artwork as the cover, which is used throughout the inside of the programme, but doesn't influence the complete look and feel of it like the 80's Merry Wives of Windsor one does. This is also when the RSC started using more colour, and when I think they discovered InDesign!!!

Macbeth (2000s)

Again, an example of the more modern programmes. Same format, richer use of colours and application of the photographic cover image, also heavily used inside, which is effectively displays the mood of the theme throughout the inside, with experimental type, but the images remain strictly formatted and separate from the text content. Rehearsal images are commonly used now instead of images from previous same plays done.

Anthony and Cleopatra (2010s)
The modern programme style, with a new form of type based on the cover theme of this 'series'. And again the images keep relatively separate from the text content, also still photographic.

King John (2012)

This is the most current programme my parents now have in their collection. It is still the modern style in the modern format, with the use of photos and stylised running typography. The different I found in this is that the colours and images are even more eclectic, and they have tried a more relaxed, collagey look and feel, starting to integrate the text and images slightly more. This style seems quite youth orientated. I saw the play and the theme of it had this 50's, casino, wedding party vibe, with balloons, and whilst that is 'young' and fun interpretation of it (I suppose), it doesn't quite match with the look of this programme, which I believe mainly just follows the guidelines of the theme of the World series they are doing.

SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS

The main differences that I've noticed are that the older programmes with a lot thinner (Less pages), with usual only a maximum of three colours used throughout the inside. The newer ones are more structured, formal and similar to each other, but they are also more colourful and eclectic, with more freedom of content, with more references and interesting facts relating to the content of the play and current issues in the world at the moment, such as political relations made. Perhaps the RSC has had an influx of funding and increased it's promotional output since the 2000's and the quality of the content and materials has increased.

However, my Mum liked the 1985 Merry Wives of Windsor programme because it literally looked like a 50's catalogue throughout the whole thing, really being playful and investing in the theme. I don't think any of the other programmes really achieve this same effect, even amongst the older ones. Maybe this programme is an example of how the themes of the programmes can really be taken far in mimicking and complementing the play rather than just being a series. Each programme could be a one off piece to go with the play. Maybe the RSC has lost the freedom to do this? As mentioned before, there is possibly an opportunity to really push the boat out with visual ideas for programme designs, in my opinion.