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King John - © Scott Rylander
Shakespeare's 'King John' was big in the Victorian era: the opportunity for excess pomp in a work that largely consists of grandiose court scenes and walloping great land battles apparently overrode any qualms the hokey plot and underdeveloped characters may otherwise have raised.
In the post-pageantry era the play's star has plummeted. But this lean, blackly hilarious take from Phil Willmott genuinely breathes fresh life into it.
Spectacle is scarce in a fringe production that doesn't even have a set. But Willmott has embraced the text's flaws to turn 'King John' into a 'Dr Strangelove'-esque satire on the idiocy of warmongers.
Here, the superb Nicholas Osmond's preening, scheming John and Damian Quinn's uptight King Philip of France score big laughs as they engage in an increasingly ludicrous series of tête-à-têtes to decide the fate of the town of Angiers, a process so absurd it sends Rikki Lawton's initially affable Philip the Bastard completely off the rails.
It's all there in the folio, of course, but those po-faced Victorians would have surely been aghast at Osmond's performance as a faintly sociopathic weirdo who largely seems to be fighting the French for his own amusement.
The air of gleeful mischief drops off in the second half (the accidental suicide of John's nephew Arthur is strangely unfunny, considering the general tone), but by and large this is a rip-roaringly fun production that does much to rehabilitate this most awkward of plays.
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Read full venue reviewTransport Southwark
020 7261 9876
£18, concs £15
Eh? Dunno about Jason, but the cast are super professional. I went along last night because it was critics choice in Time Out - There is no mistake - this show really is sensational! It is so rare to see a Shakespeare History play with so much of the humour despite the gravity of the subject, and so detailed. The verse speaking is so impeccable, you almost forget you are listening to Shakespeare. It is just so easy to tune in (great testament to the excellent reputation of the director). The cast and design are excellent and I would love to see this run extended because after seeing it, I wanted to go back again with some more friends, but it seems to be sold out. Try to get returns if you can - Every one who loves Shakespeare should definitely check out this top rate production.
It's amdram bollocks, trust me. No one in the audience knew what the bloody Hell was going on. Very few actors up to the calibre required - watchable; you'll have your head in your hands wondering what the Hell you paid all that money for. Dreadful. Couldn't wait to get out. Wonder where all these excellent reviews have come from..?
King John? A play by William Shakespeare? I embarrassingly have to admit that I have never heard of this play in my life. However, this performance is the best introduction to an unfamiliar Shakespearean play around. The actors translated the language clearly avoiding those moments of 'so what will I have to eat later. No, focus! Focus James!'. This performance has uncovered a forgotten gem. Not only was the performance a surprise but the venue itself was too. It was simply brilliantly quaint. It gave off a welcoming atmosphere which made the place seem strangely familiar like I had somehow forgotten that I lived there for 3 years. This is my first ever review of a performance which puts the effect this play had on me into perspective. Clearly King John is a thought provoker.
Saw the show tonight - thought it was fantastic! A great ensemble piece. All of the cast do great work. Its wrong to highlight particular actors but Nick Osmond as King John is brilliant. There is a great scene in front of the walls of Angers between King John and King Phillip of France (an excellent performance by Damian Quinn) which is just fantastic. Congratulations all round to cast and production team! Anita
I saw the show on Friday night and was absolutely blown away by the play. Full of humour and touching scenes, it caters for all audiences. I have to say that Nick Osmond's John was wonderfully coloured and beautifully executed. Rikki Lawton, again was beautiful and a pleasure to watch. Samantha Lawson was phenominal, a real tallent to look out for in the future; as her son, Albert de Jongh's Prince Arthur was touching and vulnerable with hints of Autism which made his already tender scenes all the more harrowing. They gave a very memorable performance that did Shakespeare's neglected masterpiece true justice. An exceptionally talented cast.
I went to see this play on Friday and just loved it! I had no idea how much humour there was, real laugh out loud moments. However, the whole play is not like this and there are some of the most tender, heartrending scenes too. The staging and costumes are simple and stark, yet, the performances are richly coloured.
Nick Osmond’s King John is reptilian in nature, but oozing wit which makes him all the more menacing. Rikki Lawton’s laddish Richard Plantagenet is sharp and fly, subsiding into disillusionment. But my two favourite performances were Samantha Lawson as the lioness mother Constance, whose grief in the latter stages of the play is truly tangible. Her son Arthur, played by Albert de Jongh, is sensitive, vulnerable with the subtlest hints of autism; as a mother I just wanted to rush up and hug him and tell him it would all be alright.
It’s a production that will make you come back again to the Union Theatre.
wow,very powerful never realized how humorous the play would be.A must see Shakespeare.
Saw it on the public opening night, thought it was superb! The intimate proxemics create a true connection between the cast and audience, not to mention brilliant performances from the cast as a whole. Rikki Lawton and Samantha Lawson were fantastic and truely inspirational. Also loved Nicholas Osmond\'s comedic touch, great to see young budding talent like Albert de Jongh who gave a magnificant performance too!
Returning to a mid-run show and the final night,
Keep It up!
I saw it tonight. I was blown away by how such a simple Shakespeare could be done so brilliantly. Samantha Lawson and Rikki Lawton where another level, look out for them in the future. I have to add that I thought there could of been more of a visual with the set, I presume the budget halted that. All in all a highly recommended production.
Saw it tonight. Bloody brilliant. Nick Osmond's grasp and clarity with the verse was an delight to behold. I will be back to see it again.
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