Shakespeare in Love

A young Will Shakespeare is struggling with writer’s block as the deadline for his next play looms ever closer. Inspiration seems hopelessly out of reach until he meets Viola, a resourceful, daring, and captivating woman who is inspired by his work. Determined to take the stage in his upcoming production, she is willing to defy every rule to make it happen. Amid a whirlwind of disguise, intrigue, and backstage chaos, love between Will and Viola begins to blossom. Their passion becomes the spark that ignites his imagination and leads him to create the greatest romantic play of his career.

Will was portrayed with such natural charm that he truly felt perfectly casted. The actor brought great characterisation to the role, capturing his dynamism in a way that felt both funny and familiar, and the shift into inspired, love-struck passion once Viola appeared was so genuine. Commanding the stage throughout, yet quietly tender and softly poignant in the final scenes, he brought Will to life with remarkable depth.

Viola was the beating heart of the production. Her radiance and presence filled every moment, and the disguise as ‘Thomas Kent’ was both endearing and playful, and the performer balanced boldness with vulnerability, particularly in the auditions and rehearsals. Her lines were delivered in a beautifully spoken, almost angelic manner. Her chemistry with Will made their romance feel vivid and transcendent, giving the story its emotional core.

Henslowe was an absolute comedic highlight. The actor brought a lively, fun vitality to the role, perfectly balancing panic with cheerful determination. His quick-witted exchanges with Fennyman were a joy to watch, full of clever timing and humorous touches. He brought warmth and nuance to the long-suffering producer, making him feel authentic, and giving the humour a sincere, engaging edge.

Every scene with Ned had a lovely vivacity to it. He entered with an easy theatrical flair, delivering his lines with confidence. The actor infused the role with real swagger, presence, and a touch of delightful diva energy, along with sharp comedic instinct. His grand entrance to ‘save’ the rehearsal was brilliant, producing a moment that felt dynamic and full of spark.

Burbage was a lovely portrayal. The actor fully embodied the hot-headed theatre owner, using expressive body language, shouting, pacing, and exuding theatrical authority that drew the audience’s attention. The rolling ‘R’s in ‘Maniscrrrrrrrrript’ were a delightful touch, adding levity and character. His conflict with Will and Henslowe added a sharp, entertaining edge, making his presence throughout the play consistently engaging.

The Queen stole the spotlight with every appearance, bringing a striking blend of poise and quiet power to the stage. She was a lovely mix of astute, commanding presence and dry humour, with a fabulous laugh and deadpan, no-nonsense judgments that landed perfectly. Her incredible costume and makeup only heightened the impact, and I loved her arrival on the throne, which gave her introduction a wonderfully regal flair.

Wessex was played with icy arrogance and simmering menace, and the actor brought a compelling edge to the role. His precise, cutting delivery and cold stares made him a magnetic yet threatening force. His interactions with Viola were charged, heightening intensifying the drama throughout.  He conveyed a mix of entitlement with exasperation to create a presence that was both intimidating and forceful.

Marlowe (Kit) brought an effortless coolness. Smart, stylish and completely unfazed by Will’s dramatics. As a great sidekick, his friendship with Will felt warm and natural, with a subtle humour that made their interactions especially enjoyable, particularly in the scene where he delivers poetic lines to Will from the shadows of the balcony, adding a quiet charm and a touch of mischief that perfectly captured their camaraderie.

Fennyman was an absolute joy to watch. I found myself drawn to watching her as the character evolved from a no-nonsense financier into a wide-eyed enthusiast, completely captivated by the magic of the theatre. The performance was excellent and eye-catching, blending sincere comic timing, and each moment of her transformation was both delightful and thoroughly captivating.

The actress playing the Nurse brought a warm, lively quality to the role, making her a delightful presence throughout Viola’s storyline. Her expressive performance and wonderfully hands-on nature added both humour and heart, and her efforts to maintain respectability while clearly revelling in the romantic chaos were endlessly entertaining. Each scene she appeared in felt richer for her playful, vivacious touch.

There were so many wonderful, vibrant characters in the play that I can’t name you all, but every single one of you brought the story to life, each contributing your own unique energy, personality, and talent. Together, you were integral in making the production not only captivating but also memorable, joyous, and utterly immersive, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who watched, with a special mention to Lady De Lesseps, Sam, and Edmund Tilney for their fantastic interpretations, each bringing charm and personality to their roles and adding even more spark to the production.

The set was outstanding and used to full effect throughout, with cast moving across the balconies and climbing ladders, creating a dynamic, fully immersive stage that reminded me of the atmosphere and layout of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The set changes were smooth, slick, and expertly handled, keeping the momentum of the performance seamless and engaging. The lighting was professional and on point, perfectly atmospheric and enhancing the mood throughout. I particularly loved the way it illuminated every beat, adding depth and emotion to the performance.

The costumes were exquisite, historically accurate, vibrant, and expertly crafted, reflecting the fashions of the era with meticulous attention to detail and enhancing the authenticity of every scene.

Some of my favourite moments had me smiling throughout the entire performance: the auditions for Romeo, the solo singer serenading from the balcony with a voice so beautiful it was enchanting, the boat scene with the boatman complete with popcorn flying and drink slurps that had everyone giggling, and the playful interpretation of Will and Viola’s love conversation. The reveal of Viola as a woman, Sam dressed as a lady, and, of course, the absolutely gorgeous dog, so well-behaved and talented, made the performance absolutely magical.

The dedication of all the cast and crew was clear, reflected in the excellent direction and seamless execution of every scene. The sheer number of lines each performer had to learn and deliver with such confidence and timing was impressive. Their hard work, passion, and attention to detail brought the production to life in a way that was both engaging and memorable. Thank you for inviting me to enjoy such a wonderful performance and for a truly lovely evening.

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