John Risebero and Ben Horslen are co-founders of Antic Disposition, an award-winning theatre company that presents visually striking productions in historic buildings and non-theatre spaces. The Bath-based duo took time out of their busy schedule to answer our questions on celebrating 20 years of fantastic theatre.
Q: What have been the major milestones and challenges of the past 20 years? Was it all part of a grand plan, or more of an accidental adventure?
It’s a little surreal to realise it’s been two decades. If there was a plan, it wasn’t written down! It all began with one show and a lot of enthusiasm. From those first performances of The Shakespeare Revue in 2005, everything just grew, organically, chaotically, sometimes miraculously.
Some big milestones include our first Shakespeare (Richard III in a derelict church), our open-air tours of France, our long-running A Christmas Carol at Middle Temple Hall, and Henry V, which toured UK cathedrals for four years.
The biggest challenge? Working in beautiful but unconventional spaces – historic, atmospheric, and gloriously impractical! But that’s also what makes it rewarding.
There’s something incredibly powerful about bringing classic stories to life in places steeped in centuries of history. From the moment we stepped inside Bath Abbey, we knew it was special – the scale, the beauty, the atmosphere.
Where did the idea for Antic Disposition first take root?
We met not long after graduating – Ben from Cambridge with an English degree, and John from Central Saint Martins in theatre design – and quickly bonded over a shared love of Shakespeare. After a couple of amateur productions in London, we realised we had complementary skills, so forming Antic Disposition felt like a natural next step.
We also shared a desire to stage the classics differently – outside of traditional theatres, in unexpected spaces. That led to our first tour in France, and eventually to the site-specific style that defines us today. Over the years our dynamic has evolved, but the trust and shared vision remain the same.
How has your approach to storytelling changed over the years? Can you still see traces of your early style in today’s work?
Definitely. From the start, we were drawn to minimalism, strong ensembles, and imaginative staging. We’ve always let the space do some of the storytelling, whether it’s a medieval courtyard or a cathedral.
We still avoid elaborate sets, preferring to use light, costume, and architecture to create atmosphere. The roots of our style – bold, clear storytelling in extraordinary places – haven’t changed. We’ve just got better at pulling it off!
You’ve developed a strong relationship with Bath Abbey. What is it about performing in historic spaces like this that inspires you?
There’s something incredibly powerful about bringing classic stories to life in places steeped in centuries of history. From the moment we stepped inside Bath Abbey, we knew it was special – the scale, the beauty, the atmosphere.
We moved to Bath in 2021 and were welcomed so warmly by the Abbey team. In 2022, we staged Henry V there to a sold-out audience, and in 2024 we launched our first summer promenade season with Romeo and Juliet, winning a local award for it. The Abbey has quickly become our go-to venue in Bath: beautiful, resonant, and wonderfully open to creative adventure.
Let’s talk about A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Why did you choose this play for your summer production in Bath Abbey?
Mischief, magic, misunderstandings, it’s one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, and a perfect fit for our immersive, site-responsive approach. After the success of Romeo and Juliet, we knew we wanted to return and take things further. And what better way than transforming the Abbey into an enchanted forest?
You’ve done a lot of open-air work in France. Did you consider that for Bath?
We did, and we adore open-air theatre, it’s been at the heart of our summers in France for years. But with the Abbey offering such a magical and weatherproof setting, the indoor promenade model felt like the right fit for Bath. That said, we’re definitely open to exploring outdoor venues locally in the future. We’ve got our eye on a few promising spots.
What’s next for Antic Disposition?
Beyond The Dream, we’re developing new touring productions, planning more work in both Bath and France, and, very excitingly, working on a feature film version of one of our shows. We’re also always on the lookout for new and unusual spaces to explore. After 20 years, we’re still ready for adventure!
Antic Disposition presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bath Abbey, 8 to 29 August. For further information or to book tickets, visit bathshakespeare.co.uk