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BrumHour saw Love’s Labour’s Lost at the invite of The RSC.
By Dave Massey twitter.com/BrumHour
Review: Love’s Labour’s Lost at The RSC, Royal Shakespeare Theatre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐FIVE STARS!
Directed by Emily Burns
Four (or five) men have arrived on an Island in the Pacific Ocean led by Ferdinand (Abiola Owokoniran), Berowne (Luke Thompson) with Dumaine (Brandon Bassir) and Longaville (Eric Stroud), they are taking a THREE YEAR vow of abstinence. Plus there is Costard (Nathan Foad) who already seems to be somewhat into his vow and a total rule breaker.
Some time later four ladies appear on the Island in the shape of Princess (Melanie-Joyce Bermudez) plus
Rosaline (Ioanna Kimbook) with Katherine (Amy Griffiths) and Maria (Sarita Gabony). They are accompanied by seemingly straight-laced Boyet (Jordan Metcalfe). Led by the Princess, they set out to bring mischief into the lives of the men.
The initial seriousness of the opening scene could mistake you into thinking this is a serious and grown up play with its crest, lectern and huge dark curtains, but that soon gives way to a sweeping curved staircase, with lights in every step. It looks like something out of Love Island and the staging with its fake grass clearly is intended to pay homage to Love Island.
I loved the look and style of it. The clumsiness of Brits abroad, dealing with lots of global languages and the heat or sun being too much echoes loudly throughout this two-hour and forty-five minute production (Plus interval).
The incidental music is dreamy and whimsical whilst the characters are fun to explore. The ensemble cast is far larger than the names above and features some standout performances including Jack Bardoe as the chaotic Don Armado, and Marienella Phillips as beautician Jaquenetta.
I really want “regular” theatre goers to know that Shakespeare can do things like this. Being relevant to 2024 with ease and confidence, it was wonderful. Getting to see a play presented like this as it made me feel like I was watching Shakespeare for the first time all over again! See the trailer below:
An Easy FIVE STARS! Love’s Labour’s Lost is at The RSC‘s Royal Shakespeare Theatre until 18th May 2024. Book tickets here: rsc.org.uk/loves-labours-lost.
