Theatre News

Measure for Measure to be adapted by Manchester Shakespeare Company

A contemporary adaptation of problem play Measure for Measure has been announced as Manchester Shakespeare Company’s debut production.

Adapted by John Topliff and Hannah Ellis, Desperate Measures follows hot shot lawyer Izzy Aguecheek as she battles to save her brother Claude from the ruthless clutches of the State.

The show, which is directed by Gina T Frost, is set in the City State of Mancia in the not too distant future, and tells a darkly comic tale filled with disguises, sin and double cross.

It stars John Dayton (David Vincent), Heather Carroll (Escala Morgan), Alex Miller (Nicky Angelo), Laura Littlewood (Izzy Aguecheek), Adam Vinten (Claude Aguecheek), and Lauron Stirrup (Constable Iqbal).

The Manchester Shakespeare Company is dedicated to producing modern and relevant adaptations of Shakespeare’s works set in the North West of England – embracing the talents of local writers, actors and directors.

Desperate Measures will be staged at the Three Minute Theatre, in Manchester, between 23-26 October.

– Rebecca Cohen