If Shakespeare were alive today, he would very likely have a lot to say about the state of the world currently. He may also have upped his game with bawdy comedy. However, in his absence, Rogue Shakespeare step into the frame with Love Labours Won and Sweet Love Adieu. Both very different in style and subjects covered, but pays huge tribute to the Bard's work, with an extremely modern twist.
Pays huge tribute to the Bard's work, with an extremely modern twist
In the setting of Brighton's Open Air Theatre, we are welcomed by the cast of Rogue Shakespeare as we settle down to watch the double bill on offer. Interestingly, the cast are in costume that indicates the original era Shakespeare wrote in, but are not in character as they interact with the audience. A bold decision to make, but one that can be viewed from two viewpoints. Initially this is to make the audience comfortable and welcomed so that they are not intimidated if they are picked on by the cast during the show. However, this can if you are used to more immersive theatrical experiences be a little disconcerting. If the show is a fully immersive experience, the cast stays in character so the audience is used to the characters being there and if you are chosen to be interacted with, the audience is then aware of the set up. On this occasion, there is very little interaction during the show in character apart from coming through the audience, sitting next to people occasionally and pin pointing others whilst sticking to the script. The intentions are good, but it may as a suggestion be better to either get rid of the interactive section at the beginning and concentrate on the text, or make sure the actors are in character from the word go so it is a genuine immersive experience.
As the two plays progress, there is a strong use of Shakespeare's language fused with a charming modern wit from the hand of Ryan JW Smith. It is well constructed and sticks to the rhythmic use of iambic pentameter, whilst bringing forward the idea of love and lust with a good mix of traditional Shakespearian comedy in Love Labours Won and a heavy nod to the saucy farce of the Carry On Francise in Sweet Love Adieu.
The cast in general provide a solidly strong framework for Smith's words. Apart from the odd stumble near the beginning, as the experience progresses, we see a company that has a clear passion for Shakespeare and modern fusions. They hit each beat without a miss, have clear character choices and provide entertainment in abundance. Each word spoken makes the plots easy to follow and even if you are not a fan of the Bard, Rogue Shakespeare makes you rethink everything you think you know about language, rhythm and more. They paint pictures with their physical comedy skills, banter and have a good feel for the plots, making them accessible to all.
This is Shakespearian comedic hilarity for adults with lots of fun along the way.
