Stepping into the shoes of both the noble Antigonus and the roguish Autolycus, Stuart McLoughlin brings two wildly different characters to life in The Winter’s Tale. As an actor and musician, he’s reveling in this opportunity to blend Shakespearean storytelling with live music, and his skills on the Bouzouki are also proving very useful indeed! From recalling a school trip to TFT—complete with an unfortunate snoring incident—to embracing the challenge of making Shakespeare’s language sing for a modern audience, Stuart shares his journey into the world of The Winter’s Tale.
Playing Two Opposites: The Nobleman and the Trickster
Stuart takes on two strikingly different roles: Antigonus, a loyal nobleman caught in King Leontes’ jealous wrath, and Autolycus, a wily, quick-witted rogue.
“Antigonus doesn’t speak up much against the King, but when it comes to the baby, he expresses an urge to protect it at all costs—he meets his demise doing so. Autolycus, on the other hand, is a scruffy conman and pickpocket, a trickster who uses any situation to his advantage. He’s an actor at heart—just like me!”
Bringing Shakespeare to Life for a Modern Audience
Stuart is particularly passionate about making Shakespeare’s language clear and engaging for today’s audiences. He approaches the text with precision and energy, embracing both its musicality and its raw emotional power.
“I’ve heard so many people say ‘I don’t understand Shakespeare,’ so my aim is to allow them to follow the story and get swept along with the tale and the characters.”
A Personal Connection to the Role
A pivotal moment in rehearsals came when Stuart first held the prop baby as Antigonus—an experience that resonated deeply with him as a father.
“It reminded me just how precious newborns are, and I very much identify with Antigonus’ desire to take care of the child.”
Meanwhile, his vision for Autolycus—imagining him as a former royal minstrel and fool—helped shape the character’s mischievous spirit.
A Theatrical Full Circle
Stuart’s journey with The Winter’s Tale has a personal twist.
“I’ve always wanted to do Shakespeare at Tobacco Factory Theatres. I once saw a production of Coriolanus here when I was at school in the ‘90s—bizarrely, with a friend’s mum! She fell asleep and started snoring loudly in Act 2. Hopefully, I don’t put the audience to sleep this time!”
Performing in the Round: A Unique Challenge
Tobacco Factory Theatres’ intimate in-the-round staging means the audience surrounds the action on all sides—a thrilling but demanding experience for any actor.
“Whatever you do, you have your back to somebody! But with a character like Autolycus, who engages directly with the audience, I’m able to turn and make sure I’m taking everyone in.”
Praise for the Production
Critics have already been captivated by this Winter’s Tale. Backstage Bristol describes it as “a rich exploration of human emotion and resilience, a production that celebrates the rhythm of the seasons, the passage of time, and the possibilities of new beginnings.”
Don’t Miss Stuart McLoughlin in The Winter’s Tale
See Stuart bring Antigonus and Autolycus to life in this stunning production of The Winter’s Tale, running until March 29 at Tobacco Factory Theatres.
🎟️ Book your tickets here.
Posted on 06 March 2025
