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BrumHour saw Measure for Measure at the invite of The RSC.
By David Fox x.com/DavidFoxTheatre
Measure for Measure at The RSC Royal Shakspeare Theatre: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐”A strikingly relevant production.”
Directed by Emily Burns
Measure for Measure: When Isabella pleads for her brother Claudio’s life after he falls victim to the state’s strict laws, the play unravels into a gripping thriller of sexual power, hypocrisy, and abuse that resonates strongly today. This production promises unmissable theatre that speaks directly to our times.
This new RSC production reimagines Shakespeare’s dark exploration of morality, power, and corruption in a bold, contemporary staging. The play lays out its themes from the outset with an opening montage of sexual scandals: Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Matt Hancock, and Harvey Weinstein.
Thus, the stage is set for Duke Vincentio’s manipulation of his own power. Initially leaving Vienna to escape a sex scandal of his own, we see how, whilst he moves through the play in disguise as the meek Friar Ludvico, swapping the sharp ‘Politician’ ensemble and shiny, pointy, footwear for a crumpled suit and sensible shoes. But despite the disguise, he still pulls the strings of his puppet subjects. The Duke’s substitute Angelo, is suitably cold and oily by turns, who the audience never really warms to and condemns even further when he protests so strongly against marrying the woman he has wronged and who pleads for his miserable life.
Claudia and Isabella’s scene where he speaks so powerfully about his fears of death is particularly affecting, as is Isabella’s anguish about the dilemma which faces her. Her shocking choice at the end reflects Shakespeare’s own text, where, following the Duke’s declaration, she does not speak, thus leaving the choice of what happens to her in the hands of the director, giving the audience quite a shocking ending! Ultimately, the play explores the misuse of power by powerful men and the lack of consequences faced by them, evoked by resonant ‘trial by media’ at the play’s denouement.
As ever at the RSC, the acting was outstanding. Adam James gave a commanding performance as the Duke, while Isis Hainsworth brought vulnerability and depth to Isabella, especially in her powerful verbal sparring with Oli Higginson’s compelling Claudio. Tom Mothersdale was chilling as Angelo — oily, repulsive, and impossible to like.
Special mention must also go to set and costume designer Frankie Bradshaw for a very striking set and clever use of lighting – at first a sheer steel wall and steps, with green benches in the foreground (connotations of the House of Commons and their recent scandals?) with a space that can be transformed to a prison with plexiglass walls, and a conference stadium for the ending. The set is complemented with simple, contemporary costumes, adding to the modern relevance of the play.
At its heart, Measure for Measure is a play about patriarchy, abuse of power, and sexual manipulation. Due to its subject matter (and some quite disturbing scenes), it can be seen as ‘problematic’ and not really a comedy – but nevertheless, there are moments of humour amongst the drama.
It may have been written 400 years ago, but Emily Burns skilfully directs a strikingly relevant production for our time – this modern take on Measure for Measure is a fantastic production and is highly recommended. See it at Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon until 25th October 2025. For more information: rsc.org.uk/measure-for-measure
