REVIEW: Two Gentlemen of Verona at The Everyman, Cheltenham
A play with wit, poetry and ....a dog!
Thought to be one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ looks at some of his favourite themes – those of love, friendship and betrayal. The two friends of the title fall in love with the same woman and their friendship is sorely tested as well as the patience of the previous love interest! Piers Wehner is excellent as one of the gentlemen, Proteus, playing the role of fickle lover with verve and clarity, observing ‘tis pity love should be so contrary’.
Almost stealing the show however are the double act of Proteus’ servant Launce, played by Chris Donnelly, and his faithful and very obliging dog played by the black lab Lollio. The only Shakespeare play to properly star a real animal, TGV’s Lollio looked suitably unfazed and yawned in all the right places when chastised and berated by his witty owner.
Set in the early years of the twentieth century, it’s a charming and fun version of the play. This production by ‘Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory’ will certainly put a smile on your face.
Two Gentlemen of Verona runs until Saturday 18 May 2013.
- Time: 7.45pm with matinees at 2pm on Thurs & Sat
- Tickets: from £11
- Where: Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HG
Explore Gloucestershire
15 May 2013
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