A light hearted comedy of mistaken identities, breath-taking poetry and love beyond social status.

The King’s Theatre and Shakespeare in Love are a perfect pairing, since the illustrious ceilings and ornaments beautifully enhance the Elizabethan setting. While the actual stage scenery is held quite simplistic, the lush costumes bring everything to life.

Will Shakespeare’s poetry is like magic that draws you in and make you long for more. This is due to the wonderful delivery of the actors, whether that is through song or spoken word. The live performed music adds to that magic.

Pierro Niel-Mee brings the required amount of raw energy, bursting with the ambition to make his mark in the world. But he also shines in the softer, gentler and comedic moments. At one point, I won’t say which, he switches from dramatic to hysterically funny within seconds.

Imogen Daines tackled the difficult task of portraying three different characters at once. While she beautifully managed the transitions between Viola de Lesseps and her alter ego Thomas Kent, the transitions between Miss Viola and Juliet (from Romeo & Juliet) aren’t as convincing as they should be. They all fall on one note, so it is hard to tell at times who she is playing. But then, we all have to remember how difficult it is to even portray one character.

Although this play doesn’t really offer anything new to the theatre world, it tackles some of the most popular mysteries and conspiracy theories surrounding Mister Shakespeare. Like the theory that he in fact didn’t write his plays himself but that they were written by Christopher Marlowe who is beautifully portrayed by Edmund Kingsley. But it is also shown what a long way women have come, due to the fact that in those days they weren’t even allowed to be on stage. It was considered to be a crime, a shame for women to become an actress. All female roles were only portrayed by men.

A fact we all should remind ourselves of.

And that art, theatre and passion can transcend genders, borders and hatred. The ways of the past aren’t always better.

This is a terrifically uplifting production that transports you to a different time and place and makes you forget the troubles of the modern world for a few hours.

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