Renegade Bard Presents The King of Nothing, directed by Sky Gilbert

Sky Gilbert directs Sally Clark’s brand new provocative play exploring Edward de Vere, Queen Elizabeth I, and the mystery behind Stratford’s most famous Bard.

This world premiere features Adam Henderson as Edward de Vere, Chapelle Jaffe as Queen Elizabeth I, Ed Roy as Robert Cecil, Aurora McClennan as Anne Cecil, and Robert Carey and Bruno Simoes help round out the chorus alongside additional cast members to be announced soon.

This August, Renegade Bard brings The King of Nothing, a compelling and provocative play by acclaimed Canadian playwright Sally Clark, to the stage in Stratford, Ontario. Directed by Sky Gilbert, the production explores the tumultuous life of Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford—a man many believe may have been the true author behind the works of William Shakespeare.

Set during Elizabethan England, The King of Nothing weaves together ambition, ego, forbidden relationships, exile, and the mysteries of royal lineage. At its heart is de Vere’s turbulent relationship with Queen Elizabeth I. Clark’s play imagines how de Vere’s personal and political upheavals may have influenced the writing of some of Shakespeare’s most celebrated and influential works. Blending historical events with the theories and mysteries surrounding the Shakespeare authorship question, The King of Nothing offers a rich, provocative, and comedic theatrical experience. It invites audiences to consider the hidden lives, political maneuvering, and forbidden laughs that may have shaped one of literature’s greatest mysteries.

Performance details

Renegade Bard Presents: THE KING OF NOTHING
Written by Sally Clark
Directed by Sky Gilbert
Featuring: Adam Henderson (Edward de Vere), Chapelle Jaffe (Queen Elizabeth I), Aurora McClennan (Anne Cecil), Ed Roy (Robert Cecil), Robert Carey (chorus), Bruno Simoes (chorus)—and more!

August 18th–29th, 2027
Stratford City Hall, 1 Wellington Street, Stratford, ON N5A 2L3

All performances at 7:30 p.m., with two Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. No performance Monday, August 23.

Renegade Bard is raising funds to support this premiere and bring Clark’s ambitious play to life. Only with support from our generous, artistic community can this independent theatrical undertaking be made possible.

To support the production and learn more, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-king-of-nothing-premiere-production-in-stratford-2027

Media Contacts

Aurora McClennan (Producer): auroramcclennan@gmail.com                                                                                

Ziggy Schulting (PR/Marketing):
zeschutling@gmail.com