King John

Synopsis

England versus France, peace versus war, might versus right, private passion versus public duty, King John has them all. He is a virtuoso politician with an uncontrollable passion for the crown - a hero and a villain. The play is powered by the politics of war with the future of England at stake. All goes well for King John and his tactically brilliant political manoeuvres, until the Pope's ambassador interferes. War and torture ensue, and King John's hold on the crown slips away.

Our Review:

Simon Tavener - 20 April 2012

Luckily for a reviewer, there are nights in the theatre that completely reaffirm your love for the magic of live performance.

Tonight is one of those nights. Maria Aberg’s production of King John is nothing short of a triumph. It is a vital and vibrant reworking of a neglected play that transforms it something funny, thrilling, moving and consistently entertaining.

It is, I will admit, a version of the play that may disturb some purists. Aberg has intelligently reshaped the text (with the assistance of Jeanie O'Hare, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Dramaturg) and created a performing version which plays perfectly for a modern audience.

Probably the most notable shift is the conflation of the roles of Hubert and the Bastard – and then giving that new role to a woman. Pippa Nixon has been given the part of a lifetime – and she revels in the mischief and wit of the character as well as playing the emotional shifts...

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Latest User Review

James - 14 November 2012:

Amazin, best play I have ever seen!...

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