I couldn’t resist the opportunity to make an impromptu visit to the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon to see this production of one of Shakespeare’s least well known and rarely performed plays.
My goodness, this production is good. Shakespeare’s plays can often be impenetrable and so, for me, the sign of a good production is being able to follow the action and understand what is going on. This production was absolutely brilliant in terms of how accessible it was. The performances, the delivery, the costumes etc. were all such that it was incredibly clear what was happening and you didn’t need to have pre-read the synopsis to know what was going on. It was fabulously done and, although the production was a bit strange with its 1960s/1970s mafia/organised crime themed costumes, music and dance routines, it completely and utterly worked, emphasising the importance of ‘family’ in such crime syndicates, medieval politics and the history of the Plantagenets. Not only did this help to make the play accessible to a modern audience, but it also brought the play to life. It was fantastic.
I didn’t really understand the gender-blind casting - Rosie Sheehy was playing King John - because, apart from one costume, King John appeared to still be played as though he was a male character. So, whatever point was being made, I missed it. However, the casting didn’t detract from the play, and Sheehy was simply brilliant in the role. She gained the audience’s admiration and respect from the very first scene - I won’t spoiler what happens, but what she does shows true dedication to the production and the character - and gave a magnificent performance throughout.
The show was, however, somewhat stolen by Katherine Pearce as Cardinal Pandulph. From the moment that she stepped on stage she was sensational. She was funny, her timing absolutely perfect, her facial expressions speaking more than any words ever could, her interactions with the audience cleverly crafted and directed, and her delivery was so clear in conveying her meaning. She held the audience (and of course the characters!) in the palm of her hand and, again, was simply brilliant.
I love the History Plays, but I went to see this production with someone who said that they didn’t like them (slightly awkward!). However, they absolutely loved this show and have been converted. I thought that this production was so good that I would love to see it again. I can’t get to Stratford again before the run ends so, instead, I’m thinking of going to see it in the cinema when it is broadcast in April…