Shakespeare in Love

Many people will remember the film in the late 90’s starring a young Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes. However I suspect few, me included, will have seen the adaptation by Lee Hall which premiered in 2014. It is a very good script which carries the story through at a good pace. It’s a clever mash-up of romance, comedy, and drama and intertwines the future works of Shakespeare into the plot giving a suggestion of what inspired the bard.

The very comprehensive set worked well in the Tithe Barn, which gave the whole look a very authentic feel and a good atmosphere. The bedroom, with heavy velvet drapes, was cleverly constructed above the main stage, which allowed a continual flow of action without the need for complicated scene changes. Tables, chairs etc were then brought on as needed by stage crew. They did this well but I would have preferred the scene changes to have been done by the cast themselves. Having a group of people coming on to the stage in modern dress, on occasion actually during a scene, spoilt the ambience that had been created by the actors. The rowing boat in the second act was particularly impressive.

Giles as Will Shakespeare was excellent. A very natural performer, he spoke eloquently and was an accomplished character actor. Struggling with writer’s block, Will desperately searches for inspiration for his plays. Enter Viola (Astrid) who is captivated by the world of theatre and disguises herself as a man to audition for one of Shakespeare’s plays. Astrid as Viola was a fine actor and had a good relationship with Will. She switched effortlessly between her role as a male actor to a spirited and passionate noblewoman. I also very much enjoyed Robin’s charming and witty performance as Kit Marlowe. These three pivotal characters worked well together and had an ease with each other in their various scenes.

Viola was well supported by Nurse (Gan) who was the perfect cheerful maid, holding back the domineering Wessex when required.

The role of Queen Elizabeth was taken at short notice by Rachael, who did an amazing job. In fact, had there not been a note in the programme, I would not have known she wasn’t in the role since the start of rehearsals. She gave a very assured performance that was word perfect and well acted. Bravo!

Viola’s betrothed, Wessex, was played with the required menace and creepiness by Iorweth. He delivered his lines well and was every inch the villain of the piece.

Henslowe (Simon) and the Rose players provide some lighthearted moments as they rehearsed and put on the play that ultimately becomes Romeo and Juliet. A special mention for Tim’s suitably over the top and scene stealing turn as the theatrical ham Ned Alleyn. I also especially enjoyed Jem’s portrayal of Sam who plays the female leads and John’s excitement as Fennyman when he’s invited to join the play as an actor.

The various references to Shakespeare’s plays were very clever, such as the slightly ridiculous Tilney whose final speech is delivered in the yellow stockings of Malvolio, as the cross dressing Viola prepares to sail to a foreign land with her new husband.

This was a well directed play with some fine acting from major and minor principals alike. The tithe barn setting and the excellent set, props and costumes all added to the atmosphere for a very enjoyable evening of entertainment. Congratulations to all involved.

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