Love’s Labour’s Lost, The RSC Review
Brandon Bassir, Luke Thompson, Abiola Owokoniran, Eric Stroud. Photo by Johan PerssonReviewed by Eliott for Theatre and Tonic.
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
Opening up their first season at The RSC, the choice to bring Love’s Labour’s Lost, a show last seen by the company a whole decade ago, is a vital one for both Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans, who recently took over as the newly joint Co-Artistic Directors of the organisation. Looking around the auditorium before the show, the mission to bring in new audience members to experience Shakespeare’s work was evident, as the mix of ages all around cemented what both Harvey and Evans are trying to achieve.
Within the first minute of the production itself, the first moment of gasps and enjoyment comes from Joanna Scotcher’s attention to detail in the design of the show; weaving in modern technology to draw in the modern crowd, whilst still keeping faith to those who have come to bask in the Bard's language, the idea to set this version of the show in a Wellness retreat embeds itself with ease, without needing to alter the words. Navardee becomes the location of the evening’s entertainment, and with a fancy logo printed on every product imaginable (Flag Poles, Gift Bags, Robes, etc), the idea that we have been stripped away from being in a theatre, and transported to this location of luxury with golf buggies and what theatre creates beautifully, true escapism.
As we slowly start to meet the full company, and motives are set with woo-ing ladies, against the retreats contractual terms, a few standout members come to the forefront. Making his name as a comedy writer through social media channels, Nathan Ford’s RSC debut performance as Costard is a delightful watch that brings the audience to hysterics, which can also be said for Jack Bardoe’s take on Don Armado, the clown of the play, and rival to Costard, who presents himself in skimpy shorts and tennis gear.
On stage musicians elevate the piece, and when modern music becomes a plot point for the male lovers, the biggest rapport from the audience erupts. Abiola Owokoniran, Luke Thompson, Eric Stroud, and Brandon Bassir boast some great playful performances in this respect, and against their female counterparts (Melanie-Joyce Bermudez, Ioanna Kimbrook, Amy Griffiths, and Sarita Gabony), their charm and mischievous ways allow for an evening of entertainment that gives all the lovers bountiful energy that Director Emily Burns has churned out through the writing and chemistry that has been created through rehearsals.
If this 2024 Love’s Labour’s Lost is a precedent for what Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans wish to bestow upon their RSC season, then it’s clear that the organisation is in safe hands with them at the helm, and in allowing fresh faces on stage and off to be given their RSC debuts, it gives a synergy that has felt so longed for.
At The RSC until 18 May 2024.
★ ★ ★ ★
