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:

9 October 2008

At the end of the day, no-one really does Shakespeare better than, well, the Royal Shakespeare Company. Gregory Doran’s latest offering has all the hallmarks of adept, erudite direction and a slick, proficient cast.

The plot centres around the court of King Navarre; who has, along with his fellow nobles, chosen to give up worldly pleasures for three years in order to dedicate themselves to study; particularly shunning the company of women. The arrival of the Princess of France and her entourage, however, somewhat puts pay to this oath – to much comic effect. The jokey boys verses girls antics and elements of farce have the potential to make Love's Labour's Lost a rather one-dimensional, facile affair when in the wrong hands. Fortunately, however, it’s safe in Doran’s, as he draws out all the colours of the text with understanding, regard and bucket-loads of humour.

Comedy is really the lynchpin of this production; and it’s satisfying to see a cast ...

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Latest User Review

Caroline - 4 November 2008:

Really enjoyed this. Play a bit dosjointed but I anticiapted that. Really enjoyed it and had a lot of laoughs which is no way a given for a shakespeare comedy. David Tennant stood out as the star....

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