★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Hollie

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

Caution: This show contains scenes of violence.

The RSC’s Julius Caesar is now touring several theatres around the UK after its run at the Royal Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. With characters commanding power and control from the outset, the audience of university students, adults of all ages and people that have studied the tragedy at school were eager with anticipation to see how Shakespeare’s classic play would be retold on a modern stage.

This modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s play based on historical events, begins with the majority of the ensemble on an empty desolate stage with several characters wearing dark black costumes. This opening to the play creates a sombre mood in the beautiful Theatre Royal in Nottingham. The audience are kept on their toes as the heavy breathing and the noises surrounding the audience sets the scene.

The muted colours of the costumes and the multi-dimensional scenery in the shape of a cube, add to the themes of power and fear and the play focuses on the story and the talents of the actors in the ensemble. Moments of dry sarcastic humour filter throughout acts one and two and provide moments of light relief and laughter for the audience.

The diverse and talented ensemble not only in some cases played the opposite gender but British sign language was also very cleverly used between certain characters in the story. The spirit of Caesar was portrayed really well by Nigel Barrett, who had the charisma and strength to play the lead protagonist. A particular mention is needed for deserving actors Annabel Baldwin who plays Cassius and Matthew Bulgo who plays Casca, who both realistically and emphatically play their respective characters.

Bringing a 500 year old play to a modern UK audience in 2023, where power and fear are big players is a bold move, but the Royal Shakespeare Company managed it beautifully as always. If you are looking for Roman soldiers, shields and vine leaves then this is not the production for you! This modern retelling of the classic tragedy felt fresh and new and the audience members were very complimentary after the first act.

The choreography, by movement director Jennifer Jackson, used throughout the performance signalled the beginning and end of different scenes but also provided a symbolic way to portray violent acts between the characters. Caius Cassius plots a conspiracy to murder Julius Caesar after his triumphant win in the war in Pompey. The ensemble depicted the co-conspirators with depth and enthusiasm and their acting alongside Shakespeare’s words ensured the performance was engaging and enjoyable for all members of the audience. Thalissa Teixeira was superb in her role as the well-respected Brutus and her experience on the stage shines through in this retelling.

The RSC’s Julius Caesar continues to tour across the UK at the Theatre Royal in Norwich, the York Theatre Royal and The Lowry in Salford until June 2023.

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