Reader Reviews
Measure for Measure (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I don’t think anyone can have told the actors that this is a “problem play” – so they had no problems with it. I’m so glad. - Mark Bridge | 01 Jan 12 |
| The production reminded me of the Shakespeare we used to listen to at school, played to us from records: beautifully clearly spoken, but emotionally flat. I thought it missed entirely Isabella's uncompromising severity and inner conflicts when faced with the eruption of physical - rather than intellectual - passion in herself. Both she and Angelo never seemed to have any internal movement of thought and far too many of the great scenes were simply spoken through. Angelo was professional when he should have been icy and annoyed when he should have been torn with lust. The whole thing felt rehearsed into shape rather than directed and none of the huge conflicts at the heart of the play were explored; so having emotionally tortured just about everybody, the Duke was presented as no worse than a merry stage conjurer doing card tricks. Everyone was ridiculously happy at the end, when it is so obvious that they are not and that this clever, wilful, but weak man has wrecked their lives. Very disappointing. - Martin | 17 Dec 11 |
| Superb production. The performance was psychologocally telling and always coherent, as well as funny, disarming, true to life (at its best and worst). The audience, at times, gasped and sighed as one. The music was dramatic, and spoke to the drama. - Janet Helen Phillips | 06 Dec 11 |
| Saw this production a few nights ago and was blown away. I agree that it is very VERY accessible to people who don't know much about the play or Shakespeare's verse. But as a seasoned theatregoer I found the interpretation of the play the most stunning of all. So refreshing to see a clear and funny version of the play. And I loved the dance at the end. I'm assuming it was a reference to the jig that was always done at the globe after each production. Either way I clapped along. - Alison Keskle | 24 Nov 11 |
