What a remarkable and fluid performance full of depth and charisma!
An energetic, detailed and emotionally fuelled show
Mister Shakespeare is a detailed tale penned by Michael Barry, that shows Shakespeare at work in his lodgings. Haunted by the ghost of his dead father during the plague, he is constantly assailed by actors looking for work, threatened by King James to create a hit or die and nervous that he may either catch the plague or be found guilty of being a catholic, not long after the execution of Guy Fawkes.
The Shakespeare we meet in this production is one addled by the dark world that surrounds him; anguished and stressed for his life. The production is driven relentlessly by Ciaron Davies whose sheer and unbridled passion and energy is captivating. Davies is a charismatic performer who also injects great depth into William Shakespeare and shows us the ‘real’ man behind the great works. We see his flaws, his agonised existence and get a glimpse into the madness of genius as he is bedevilled by the voices that surround him on the stage. Carrying what is essentially a one man show with sound cues is not an easy task, but Davies does this effortlessly with great style and soul. This is a heart-felt tour de force performance.
It is at times not easy viewing and requires concentration to keep up with it, but it is an experience well worth the attention. With solid direction from Stephen Church, it's lovely to see a show like this with a period set. It really helps us believe fully that we are in the lodgings of the bard as we are swept away on a helter-skelter ride through his life, loves, regrets and work.
It’s an energetic, detailed and emotionally fuelled show that is entrancing and full of depth. Shakespeare like you have never seen him before!
Mr Shakespeare continues to tour throughout the year.
