Measure for Measure - time marches on but some things never change

Tom Mothersdale as Angelo, Adam James as Duke Vincentio, Sion Pritchard as Escalus. Photo by Helen Murray.

Measure For Measure by William Shakespeare, The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford Upon Avon, running until 25 October. Directed by Emily Burns.

Review by Ann Evans

I hadn’t imagined starting this review by mentioning Elvis and without giving away any spoilers, I have to say that the playing of one of Elvis Presley’s songs at a crucial moment in the play could not have been more appropriate. The addition of a full orchestra and choir plus lighting effects on stage, made this scene magnificent – in a shocked laugh-out-loud kind of moment. Genius direction by Emily Burns and the other creatives involved in this adaptation.

There were in fact quite a few moments that had the audience genuinely laughing out loud, and in my opinion, it wasn’t the merriment in the script – because there wasn’t any. It was the skilful manner the actors dealt with the dialogue – often the simplest of phrases, or a facial expression provided the humour. Brilliant acting by the whole cast with special mention to Adam James as the Duke of Vienna and Isis Hainsworth as Isabella.

Adam James as the priest and Claudio (Oli Higginson). Photo by Helen Murray.

This Shakespeare play is regarded by some as one of his comedies although more often it’s thought of as a problem play. Moments of humour mingle with dark issues such as hypocrisy, morality, sexual exploitation, corruption, law, mercy and no doubt many more troublesome goings-on.

This version of Measure for Measure is set in modern day, and it’s interesting to find that the same problems, the same corruption, deception and manipulation by people in high places, existed back in 1604 when this play was first performed, just as it does today. Of course, in this adaptation the speech is that of the Bard in style, and it does take a little getting used to, to have people in modern suits and ties talking in Shakespearean jargon. 

Isabella (Isis Hainsworth) speaks out. Photo by Helen Murray.

The plot of Measure for Measure has the Duke of Vienna keen to get out of town and lie low for a while. It’s not clear why, although he implies it’s to keep an eye on Angelo his deputy (played by Tom Mothersdale) and catch him out for his hypocrisy. It seems like a poor excuse - more likely it’s to take the heat off him for a time for some reason. However, with Angelo taking over from the duke, we discover that he has ordered the death penalty for a young man named Claudio, (Oli Higginson) for the crime of getting his fiancée Juliet (Miya James) pregnant outside of marriage – an age-old law brought back by Angelo to combat the city’s moral decline.

When Claudio’s sister, Isabella (Isis Hainsworth) visits him in jail he begs her to persuade Angelo to change his mind, imploring her to do whatever it takes to save his life. Unbeknown to either of them or Claudio’s friend, Lucio, (Douggie McMeekin) the duke is taking all this in, disguised as a priest.

Katie Singh as camera operator, Emily Benjamin as Mariana, Valentine Hanson as Friar Peter. Photo by Helen Murray.

Against Isabella’s better judgement, and totally against her moral code (she was about to become a nun before learning of her brother’s plight) she goes to Angelo and finds that the only way he will reprieve her brother is if she sleeps with him. The thought is abhorrent to her, but when the duke (in disguise) comes up with a cunning plan involving Angelo's ex fiancée, Mariana (Emily Benjamin) she goes along with it.

In true Shakespearean style the deception and trickery achieve their aims, leading into a dramatic second act and an impressive finale where people have their say. Some got what they deserved, and some got more than they deserved. The acting was superb from start to finish. It all felt bold and loud. The set was amazing, very clear cut, brilliant use of the trap door in the floor and the glass jail structure than appeared and disappeared amidst tremendous sound effects.

Adam James as the Duke of Vienna, Isis Hainsworth as Isabella. Photo by Helen Murray.

I’ve read that some Shakespearean aficionados aren’t fans of the ambiguous ending regarding Isabella and the duke. No spoilers but be assured that this production leaves you in no doubt whatsoever. A startling, unexpected conclusion that brought the audience to their feet for a well-deserved standing ovation, applauding this fantastic cast and crew for this hugely entertaining production.

If you get the chance to see this play, I recommend you go for  it. My favourite Shakespeare play so far, at least this adaptation was.

For tickets:  https://www.rsc.org.uk/measure-for-measure