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:

19 June 2001

On Radio 4's Go For It at the weekend, a group of young listeners proffered their views on the children's Midsummer Night's Dream film set for release. No problems with the characters (each listed a favourite) or the plot were forthcoming. But the language, they thought, was just too, well... "Shakespearean".

The full age spectrum was in evidence at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, for an accessible production of Love's Labour's Lost that resolves why Shakespeare remains one of history's most enlightening writers. No problems with the characters or plot here either - for in the bosom of a truly fine cast, Shakespeare's work is rewardingly visible. This play is a difficult read, as the children could probably vouch for, but a remarkably straightforward drama in the right hands.

The bookish, Autumnal colours of Kit Surrey's stage design fit the story's melancholy, literary intentions suitably. A number of aesthetic stepladders clamber skywards, lik...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 19 August 2001:

A very word play which is over the top as far as words go. Good performances, but does not hold many people, with many wondering when it is going to finish! ...

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