Review: Troilus and Cressida, Shakespeare’s Globe, London

While visiting London with my sister, we attended a performance of Troilus and Cressida to review at the Globe Theatre quite late in the run. It was nice to attend the show with someone who loved Shakespeare as much as I did. See my article about my experience at the globe years ago (link below). 

Review Globe Theatre, Troilus and Cressida

Sometimes referred to as one of Shakespeare’s troublesome plays, the Globe Theatre’s version of Troilus and Cressida was pure entertainment. So many people feel they cannot understand Shakespeare. However, if the acting is strong and there’s a clear intention behind each line, it is so much easier to follow. These actors were excellent at their craft. 

Director Owen Horsley, who made his Globe directorial debut with this show did an incredible job. He took liberties with the script which I believe helped the flow of the performance. While some characters were completely eliminated, others were changed. I absolutely loved the cross-gender and colorblind casting by Becky Paris CDG, Head of Casting at Shakespeare’s Globe. Horsley made mindful edits and cuts from the script that allowed for easier transitions. While poking fun at the Trojan war, the satire focuses on love and power which soon collide. 

The Players

Since we both knew the play, we were expecting a somber performance. Therefore we were happily surprised by this new adaptation. This adaptation was funny and was much lighter in tone. Ryan Dawson Laight, who did both set and costume design, constructed a stage that allowed for multiple war scenes. Moreover, the massive war-town surrealistic foot looming on the stage suggested the crumbling of an empire. He also utilized modern garb for the costumes, which was a brilliant choice. 

At the top of the play I was a bit confused, but then delighted to see a woman (Samantha Spiro) taking on the of role of Cressida’s uncle (Pandarus) and matchmaker of Troilus and Cressida. She was incredible and also played the role of Nestor. In Shakespeare’s time, only male actors were allowed to perform. Young boys were cast as the female leading roles. Therefore to see actresses stepping into male roles now was so satisfying. This continued throughout the show with Jodie McNee who played Ulysses as well as Cassandra. She was excellent.

The play had so much more humor than I remembered. Therefore allowing a three hour performance to fly by. I loved how the warriors strutted on stage as if it were a runway donning their muscular armor while applause signs and other modernized actions ran amok. Perhaps cheesy at times, it moved the show along. These lighthearted acts (such as a boxing match in place of a war scene) later in the show certainly drove the play from darkness into the light. It also made the cruelties of war more bearable. Of course there were moments of awkwardness due to the unavoidable realities of war. However it provided some clarity with a more humorous tone overall. 

Additional Standouts

Actress Lucy McCormick who deftly played Thersites delivers important information to the audience very much like a Greek chorus. She also flawlessly transformed into Helen of Troy. Only to impress us once again by appearing on stage as Thersites pretending to be Helen of Troy. All the while Lucy McCormick dominated both roles.

Other standouts included: Kasper Hilton-Hill (Troilus), Charlotte O’Leary (Cressida), Oliver Alvin-Wilson (Hector and Calchas), as well as David Caves as the slovenly Achilles. Composer Eamonn O’Dwyer did an excellent job with the music. While the band was fabulous, several of the members interacted with the actors from above, while others joined them on stage. 

If you are in London, or happen to be planning a trip, attending a show at the Globe Theatre will be a highlight. The actors are top notch, and will lead you through the play with humor, vulnerability and true passion. Shakespeare’s Globe is located at 21 New Globe Walk Bankside, London, SE1 9DT; https://www.shakespearesglobe.com

In addition, purchase tickets to the tour prior to the show. It’s fabulous. Cockney Mick was a wonderful tour guide. My review is coming soon, so stay tuned.

I also want to recommend dining at the Swan beforehand. It is an exceptional restaurant. My review will be up shortly as well.