“Rachel Kitts sparks and sparkles throughout, her relationships making the drama”

Editorial Rating: 4 (Nae Bad)

Who was Judith Shakespeare? Did she have an identity beyond her close personal orbit around her father, England’s greatest teller of tales? Mary Jane Schaefer’s script takes a scholarly approach to the many possibilities, weaving the plausible threads into a monumental drama of ordinary lives lived in the shadow of a blazing star.

Together Rachel Kitts and Susannah May, representing the young and auld Judith, portray a woman frequently disappointed with her lot, the keeper of Shakespeare’s most infamous secret – the true identity and significance of The Dark Lady described in his sonnets (sonnets 127–152). May remains on stage throughout, a widowed country lady sitting in her easy chair, toying with her memories as they play out stage left. It’s the first of some bold decisions which make for a rather cumbersome and cluttered production saved by a very strong script and some excellent and memorable performances.

This is an unusually big show for a Fringe show. Big cast, big set and, at 80 minutes, it’s also a long one. Kitts sparks and sparkles throughout, her relationships making the drama: with the splendid Aisling Groves-McKeown as the peevish Anne Hathaway; with the debonair Angus Bhattacharya as her life’s true(ish) love Tom Quiney; with the fabulous Becky Sanneh as the mystery woman and as Judith’s sister Susanna; and with the cerebral Luke Millard as William Shakespeare. Roddy Lynch and Oscar Blend add strength and depth to the ensemble as a solid host of supporting characters.

The strong script hangs on familiar assumptions. That Mr and Mrs Shakespeare had an uneasy marriage. That their unhappiness was compounded by the tragic early death of their son, Judith’s twin. That scandal attached to the marriage of Judith and Tom. That Shakespeare’s infidelities as a travelling player caused much distress. That Shakespeare’s last will and testament is the key to unlocking his domestic circumstances. To these Schaefer’s script adds a bold and daring innovation concerning Judith which makes this show a must for every true Shakespearian.

Come for the bigness. Stay for some exquisite character work. Get your doublets on and go see this!

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