Love's Labour's Lost

Synopsis

The King of Navarre persuades three friends to join him in a vow of celibacy so that they can concentrate on their studies, but the beautiful princess of France and her three gorgeous ladies in waiting arrive for an informal visit.

Our Review:

28 March 2006

If this is the last ever Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory production (See The Goss, 28 Mar 2006), then at least this excellent company will be going out on a high note.

SATTF, operating on a wing and a prayer since 2000, has often put other, subsidised, companies to shame with the clarity, intelligence and sheer joie de vivre of its productions; and Love's Labour's Lost finds the company at the top of its game.

Unusually for the Bard, the plot of this early play, - original to Shakespeare - could be written on the back of a matchbox, as could the action. The charm lies in the delight in language - the verbal sparring by Berowne and Rosaline strongly anticipates that of Beatrice and Benedict - and other comic business.

The King of Navarre persuades three chums to renounce worldly pleasures and embrace the contemplative life for three years. Unfortunately for them their solemn vow coincides with arrival of the Princess of France...

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Latest User Review

62.171.194.9) - 26 April 2006:

Love's Labours Lost by shakespeare at at the tobacco Factory, was a triumph. This was my first visit to the venue and I was not diapointed, the company lived up to its fantastic reputation and the simplicity and intimacy of the space meant that one felt the relationship with the actors much more than in a large house such as the swan. Particularly shining performances if one must decide- as an ensemble there was no weak link, if I could I would name them all!- came from Matthew Thomas and Lucy Black, the chemistry and insightful word play between the two was a breath of fresh air and brought the characters to life.Though this play is rather uneventful in terms of plot, seeing it is an event when performed so knowledgeably. Subsequently, I have found that the company is in grave danger from collapse due to financing. It would be a true tradgedy to let a company capable of all that SATTF is, shrink away, like so many before it, due to financial problems. I urge anyone reading this to catch this performance if you can and then to support the company further by donating a little more. then perhaps there may be annother chance for the company to delight audiences, as it did me....

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