Post by joem on Apr 1, 2018 0:38:23 GMT
Originally produced in Switzerland, this is an original play by Victoria Baumgartner which plays within the industry which has arisen around Shakespeare's lost years of which "Shakespeare In Love" has probably been the most successful exponent.
Starting with a young Will versifying dreamily and being brought down to earth by the news he has made his girlfriend Anne Hathaway pregnant, the story goes on to weave facts, informed speculation and imagination into a pleasing and entertaining narrative enthusiastically and stylishly performed by a young cast of five. Will leaves Stratford to avoid punishment for poaching, takes up with players, has an affair with the Earl of Southampton, fences with Christopher Marlowe etc etc. And playwright Baumgartner gamely takes up the challenge of finding clues in Shakespeare's earlier life which later inform on his plays.
I like this cavernously small space. I have no doubt in time, if things go well financially, it has the potential to become a key off-West End venue. It is atmospheric, if probably perishingly cold in winter, but lacks toilet facilities (for those with an incontinent bent the Globe Theatre is very near, not just chronologically speaking).
Two performances will be staged in the original French, for those already feeling nostalgic for Europe. Only right to point out it will be Swiss French, though.
Starting with a young Will versifying dreamily and being brought down to earth by the news he has made his girlfriend Anne Hathaway pregnant, the story goes on to weave facts, informed speculation and imagination into a pleasing and entertaining narrative enthusiastically and stylishly performed by a young cast of five. Will leaves Stratford to avoid punishment for poaching, takes up with players, has an affair with the Earl of Southampton, fences with Christopher Marlowe etc etc. And playwright Baumgartner gamely takes up the challenge of finding clues in Shakespeare's earlier life which later inform on his plays.
I like this cavernously small space. I have no doubt in time, if things go well financially, it has the potential to become a key off-West End venue. It is atmospheric, if probably perishingly cold in winter, but lacks toilet facilities (for those with an incontinent bent the Globe Theatre is very near, not just chronologically speaking).
Two performances will be staged in the original French, for those already feeling nostalgic for Europe. Only right to point out it will be Swiss French, though.