REVIEW | Shakespeare in Love, Little Theatre Leicester

Nicole Collins as Viola (by Dave Morris)

★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Hollie

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

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This new show from the Leicester Drama Society is a romantic comedy set in 1593 and is based on the 1998 film of the same name, which starred Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes. The play depicts a story of love, friendship, and humour involving playwright William Shakespeare and his fellow friends and poets. Whilst auditioning for his famous play Romeo and Juliet (or Romeo and Ethel the pirate’s daughter, which it was originally known as) William falls in love with the woman that auditions for Romeo’s part in the play. 

The play begins with William Shakespeare, played by Ed Turner, struggling to write his new play Romeo and Ethel - The Pirate’s daughter. Kit Marlowe, Will’s best friend, played by Max Mayer, supports him in writing some lines for the play and together they write the famous line “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”

Unbeknown to him at the time, Lady Viola, portrayed by Nicole Collins, pretends that she is Master Kent in order to secure the male role of Romeo and her first acting position in a theatre. As the play progresses it becomes clear that the story of Viola and Will’s love is mirroring that of Romeo and Juliet’s in the classic tragic play. 

The enthusiastic audience of couples, families and adults at the evening showing of the play at Leicester’s Little Theatre, shows that Shakespeare and his many plays as well as his own life still draws in large crowds. The audience were amazed by the authentic and wonderful craftsmanship that had gone into the creation of the scenery and the props. As well as the choreography and music that were included, it really felt as if you were in 1500s London as part of the theatre scene. 

Audience laughter could be heard continuously throughout the show and Will’s theatre owner and friend Henslowe, played by Ian Carr, provided a lot of laughter for the audience. There was a fantastic balance of dance, acting and comedy which ensured the audience were kept on their toes throughout the evening. 

The story continues as a love triangle begins as Lord Wessex wants to marry Viola in a fortnight’s time and fights for her love. The classic themes of Romeo and Juliet with the battle of love and tragedy at the end are mirrored throughout Shakespeare in Love as well. 

The costumes, designed by John Bale, were absolutely superb and representative of that period in time but with a modern twist. The surprise actor that joins the cast in Act One is a wonderful moment for the audience to watch and enjoy! 

Shakespeare in Love continues at The Little Theatre in Leicester until Saturday 8th July 2023. I would highly recommend seeing the show as it provides a different viewpoint on the life of the world’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare.