Shakespeare in Love

It was my pleasure to deputise for Joyce Eyre at the United Reform Church, Solihull to watch ‘Shakespeare in Love’. What a treat this turned out to be… On arrival I was impressed by the vastness of the space available for the performance but thought it would lose some of the atmosphere as a result. I couldn’t have been more wrong! I particularly like the way that the pulpit had been adapted to become the balcony and this worked so well. The use of clothes rails covered with materials to make curtains, wooden doors and stage cloths was ingenious and probably is a constant feature for Union Theatre, but it was a first for me.  The rustic table and stool were so in keeping with the period and used to good effect by the cast, as were the multitude of props.

The costumes were, without doubt, the most fabulous I have seen in a while; the men’s jackets, ladies’ dresses and the various headwear were stunning. Everyone looked ‘perfect’ and hats off to the creativity of the wardrobe team, they deserved a bow.

I think I should mention that the temperature outside was 28ºC and the sun streamed through the windows directly onto the players, who showed no sign of wilting, even though they were wearing several layers of costumes and in some cases wigs too, carried on regardless. My huge congratulations to them for this alone.

From the entrance of Will Shakespeare and Kit Marlowe, played by Alexander Tipping and Mark Firmstone respectively, I could tell that the calibre of this production would be to a high standard. The delivery and acting skills of the leading characters was consistently excellent. The confidence they exuded was palpable, and sucked me into the story in an effortless way. Even Henry Gilbert playing Spot the dog was well rehearsed, well behaved and performed exactly on cue.

Julie Moore was a natural in both roles, I loved her Fennyman as the comedy was quick and sharp. Equally her change of character into Queen Elizabeth 1 was impressive; her stature and presence gave a very different delivery.

Ellie Hare was a wonderful Henslow and her acting ability was enhanced by her facial expressions. Lord Wessex played by Marcus Queensborough was suitably pompous and deserved his comeuppance, and Jemma Reid was so funny as Richard Burbage and bounced off Henslow commendably.

The relationship between Victoria Ellery-Slevin as Viola De Lesseps and Kate Gilbert as Nurse was really beautiful. The interaction felt so natural and believable. Both ladies gave outstanding performances. I honestly would have felt very at home sitting in the RSC watching this cast perform this play. It was mesmerising and professional to the highest level. It was obvious that a lot of hard work and love had gone into this production. Everyone without exception was superb. The singing was meticulous and harmonious and the dancing was perfect. Huge congratulations to everyone in the scene where you danced so intricately and carried on with your dialogue without drawing breath – brilliant.  The fight scene between Nurse and Lord Wessex was hysterically funny and very well-choreographed, unless it came naturally, which is how it looked.

However, the outstanding performances for me were from Alexander and Victoria. The relationship felt so comfortable, the effortless way in which they delivered the soliloquies was truly spellbinding. The death scene did bring a lump to my throat, even though they were acting within the play. The passion and pathos came through in every word of every line and I could have watched them both over again.

Mark Firmstone did a wonderful job directing this beautiful play and he should be very proud of the end result. I know that it is a team effort to put on a production such as this, so my congratulations to everyone involved. My apologies for not mentioning everyone individually, it was so difficult trying to write notes when I was enjoying it so much. But you were all great.

Thanks to the front of house team who made me so welcome and looking after me. It was a pleasure to meet you all.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.