I Hate Shakespeare

The set for I Hate Shakespeare was simple with two screens printed with famous lines from Shakespeare`s plays, a large printed graffitied portrait of The Baird himself and a bookcase.  The screens also provided a very compact changing/backstage  area for the cast as this performance space is more commonly known as a Methodist Church. Sound was good with some nice modern references that all came in on time, the lighting was sympathetic to the scenes. Personally I did feel at times that pace was very slow and the lack of pace stopped the audience from getting a joke and reacting accordingly.

Most of the cast played multiple characters  within the play and it was interesting to see them change themselves to show the audience that they were a different person. Evie-Rose Turner as The Actor was seen  on stage for most of the time , her costume looked good and was very effective until we came down to her long boots – they  reminded me of a Pantomime Principal Boy. All the other costumes worked well with their characters although I will admit to being completely lost as to the wearing of the dressing gown and why Claudius  might want it too. Mollie Fortune as Unhappy Person in Audience had a very difficult role but she handled it well, she had some great projection and made a good connection with the audience. Marina Mercer as modern day Juliet with her velour lounge suit and her mobile phone was instantly recognisable and relatable, she also had some great projection. Marie Williamson was very strong in all her characterisations , she did well remembering all the specific lines and delivering them with cadence and in iambic pentameter. Everyone did a good job to deliver this play and they all looked to be enjoying themselves. Thank you for inviting me, myself and my guest enjoyed your performance  of  “I Hate Shakespeare”.

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