When I heard that Shakespeare in Love was being adapted for the stage I wondered how a film so popular would work away from the silver screen. Could a play compete with the flexibility of film? Could a stage convey the multitude of different landscapes in the original screenplay? I was pleasantly surprised that the answer to both was a resounding yes!
Lee Hall’s adaptation remains surprisingly loyal to the original screenplay by Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman, keeping much of the contemporary humour and literary references that made the film so enjoyable. Designer Nick Ormerod’s set coupled with the impressive direction of Declan Donnellan transports the audience through the various locations; from manor to playhouse, from river to bed chamber and most notably from backstage to onstage in a matter of mere seconds. Clever prop use, a flexible set, on stage sound effects and a good use of mime helped this production glide into its new medium and feel as though it was always intended for the stage.
For those who haven’t seen the film, the plot is as follows. William Shakespeare is a little known playwright who is struggling with writer’s block while trying to compose a play with the working title of Romeo and Ethel the Pirate’s daughter. A wealthy local merchant’s daughter, Viola de Lesseps, auditions for the play disguised as a boy and is cast in the lead role of Romeo. Eventually Shakespeare discovers Viola’s true identity and promptly falls in love with her, curing his writer’s block. The actors continue to rehearse the play and as the love between Shakespeare and Viola grows Shakespeare transcribes it for the stage into the tragedy we now know as Romeo and Juliet.
Lucy Briggs-Owen was an energetic and humorous Viola whose emotionally resonant performance made Viola’s eventual sacrifice all the more powerful. Tom Bateman played a passionate and often anguished Shakespeare whose steady energy helped carry the play forward through the numerous scene changes. A special mention should also go to Spot the dog, played by Barney, whose comic timing and impressive discipline had the audience cheering for more.
I’m always wary when I hear films or indeed books have been adapted for the stage, as often some of the magic is lost when a story is taken from its original medium and made to fit another. Yet, in some ways, Shakespeare in Love seems better suited to the stage than film. Certainly the jokes and literary references are that bit more satisfying when greeted by the chuckles of 800 audience members, and some lines, like Henslowe’s assertion that “comedy, love, and a bit with a dog, that’s what they want”, take on new layers of comedy when Spot, the dog’s, appearance is greeted by the surprise and excitement of a live audience.
My only criticisms are that with 28 people in the cast, most of which are on stage almost the entire time, some of the scenes appeared more crowded than comic and some of the focus was lost in the sheer number of people on stage. Also, at 2hrs 40mins this is not a short play. It seemed as though in trying to remain loyal to film many of the scenes were much longer than they needed to be, but that said the actors kept the energy high and did their best to keep it moving.
All in all this is a fine rendition of a much loved film, a fantastic stage design and inspired direction; everything you’d expect of a Disney and Sonia Freedman production. If you liked the film, you’ll love this.