Troilus and Cressida at Shakespeare’s Globe Review
Written by Penny for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Although included in the First Folio (collection) of Shakespeare’s plays, published in 1623, Troilus and Cressida is not listed as either a Comedy, History or Tragedy. Whether this was an oversight or deliberate is not known, but this is a play that is very difficult to categorise.
Shakespeare’s writing leans into bawdy comedy and political satire, with the tragedy that is the story of its titular characters a sub-plot to the story of the Trojan war which dominates the play.
This production, under the direction of Owen Horsley in his debut for The Globe, draws clear parallels between its ancient Greek setting and the modern world. The war that has been raging for seven years has taken its toll on everyone – the Greek Generals are unrecognisable as the heroes of mythology. Attention is drawn to David Caves’ portrayal of Achilles who, in particular, is a far cry from the great warrior of legend – he's let himself go and is sick of war. Helen of Troy – the face that launched a thousand ships and the reason for the conflict – is reduced to a shallow reality TV style character. Her Trojan Court is all sequins, selfies and merch. It’s a fitting observation on our cult of personality that makes superstars out of anybody who can sell an image.
Designer Ryan Dawson Laight has created a set that suggests a tired carnival scene – dominated by a giant golden foot, the tarnished remains of a statue, dull, flickering lighting and cracked signage. This set, along with accompaniment from a small band, under the direction of Richie Hart, very effectively emphasises this weary, rag-tag and battle worn Greek army.
The costume design is rather haphazard, it’s not clear what period we are in – the Greeks wear muted clothes of grey and brown, it’s all a little Dystopian. The Trojans favour peach and pink, putting on a display of strength in their bronze armour with its exaggerated muscles. In the dual role of Thersites and Helen, Lucy McCormick has a nod to both sides in her costume – in the former her ragged outfit incoporates gold, linking to the “Strictlified” glitter of her costume for the beautiful Helen and then merging the two styles to rather grotesque effect later on.
McCormick is one of the stand-out performers. She has a frantic energy, immediately commanding the stage as Thersites, a wise Fool, talking us through the events that have led to the start of this particular story. As Helen she oozes shallow glamour without losing the manic undertone that goes with her fragile celebrity status.
Samantha Spiro also shines as a gender-swapped Pandarus, Aunt to Cressida and encouraging friend to Troilus. She’s brash, bawdy and gleefully breaks the fourth wall with a knowing look accompanied by a cackle that echoes around the open air auditorium. It takes a while to recognise her in her second role, the aged General Nestor, her physicality and delivery completely different but still instantly watchable.
Standing out amongst the Generals is Oliver Alvin-Wilson as Hector, probably the most rounded and complex character – as well as having a commanding physical presence he clearly conveys his moral conflict over the reasons for war, seemingly at odds with his Trojan contemporaries.
As the tragic young lovers of the title, Kasper Hilton-Hille and Charlotte O’Leary impress with clear diction and delivery, injecting a bit of human interest into the story. Their seemingly doomed love affair feels very natural and their banter serves to lighten the mood, against all of the military posturing.
Although it has plenty to say on the themes of war, celebrity and morals that will resonate with a modern audience, this production can be a little confusing. The bawdy comedy is not as bawdy as it promises to be, the tragedy is a little underplayed and the history is complicated and unfamiliar. So, as well as being difficult to categorise, it can be difficult to follow in places, particularly in the rather long exchanges between Generals about the war. The comedy that offsets these scenes is a welcome, entertaining and well-delivered distraction.
Troilus and Cressida is perhaps not the best play for somebody looking for an introduction to Shakespeare but, for aficionados and for anybody with an interest in Greek legend, it is a refreshing addition to The Globe’s programme alongside the Bard’s better known works.
Troilus and Cressida runs at Shakespeare’s Globe until Sunday 26th October 2025. Find out more and book tickets here.
★★★
