★★★★ “It was inspired of Sun and Moon Theatre to place their version in an early Sixties university setting, with extremely well-chosen music. College gives many people the chance to discover who they are and who they might become … I thought Sun and Moon’s intelligent and nuanced ending was pin sharp and pitch perfect … this talented group of players bring [intelligence and passion] to this fascinating play. This expertly abridged production is well worth the journey.” RemoteGoat
Photography by Matthew Bastone.
‘I leave myself, my friends and all, for love … thou hast metamorphosed me’
Cynical Valentine leaves Verona for university in Milan and falls in love … with the Dean’s daughter. When starry-eyed Proteus joins him, leaving behind his long-term girlfriend, Julia, he falls for Valentine’s fiancée, risking both his friendship and his long-distance relationship.
Sun & Moon Theatre presents a vibrant new production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Updated to the late 1950s and early 1960s, this adaptation predominantly takes place in a 1960s university in a colourful ‘Swinging London’ vision of Shakespeare’s Milan. This production explores the changeability of ‘love’ in youth with humour, melancholy and bite, focusing on what matters most when growing up – your friendships, your desires, and yourself. One of Shakespeare’s first and most wildly underrated plays, prepare to be entertained by the follies of youth and transported back nearly 60 years in time.
Directed by Melissa Barrett & David Johnson
Cast
Melissa Barrett: Julia
George Bradley: Turio, Launce & Outlaw
Hannah Clancy: Speed, Panthina, Outlaw & ukulele player in Richard Sparkle’s band
Chris Harknett and the night of the 7 Proteuses: Proteus
Jessica Holyoake: Lucetta & Outlaw
David Johnson: Valentine & guitar player in Richard Sparkle’s band
Emerson Pike: Duke (Dean), Antonio & Richard Sparkle
Kathy Towns: Silvia
Dotty or Sammy: Crab the Dog