The Royal Shakespeare Company’s critically acclaimed production of ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ comes live to the stage of the Wellesley Cinema via video link on Wednesday 3rd September.
Regarded as Shakespeare’s first play, it explores the themes of friendship, infidelity and the human capacity for foolish behaviour. Director Simon Goodwin’s modern dress production explores “the light and dark sides of romance” and youthful love. Described by critics as “a delightful evening”, “remarkably engaging, amusing and disquieting” and “superbly fleet-footed production of sunny exuberance”, this is the latest in this season’s ‘Live’ productions coming to the Wellesley.
The plot involves the convoluted love affairs of friends Valentine and Proteus and their respective relationships with Silvia and Julia but the highlight of the play is considered to be Launce, the clownish servant of Proteus, and his dog Crab, who are regarded by many as “the most scene-stealing non-speaking role in the canon”. Actor Roger Morlidge has no choice but to ignore the old adage that actors should never work with children or animals in his role as Launce in Shakespeare’s only play to feature a dog. But Roger has relied on the fact that lurcher Mossup, who plays Crab, has a string of stage and screen appearances to her name and is a seasoned performer.
The performance begins at 7pm and tickets can be booked online on www.wellesleycinema.co.uk.