Review Shakespeare The Man From Stratford

by Philip Coppell. Published Wed 16 Jun 2010 23:27, Last updated: 2010-06-16

It seems incredible to me that Simon Callow is not one of our theatrical knights in the fine traditional of Sir John Gielgud, Sir Michael Redgrave or Sir Ian McKellan, all of whom appeared at the Liverpool Playhouse.

He is without doubt one of our finest actors and he has brought his triumphant “Shakespeare, The Man From Stratford” to the Liverpool Playhouse and is giving a Masterclass in classical acting.

This is the first play that Jonathan Bate has written for 30 years, he did a student play for the Edinburgh fringe, and has written a biography of Shakespeare as well as editing the RSC Shakespeare Complete Works.

This play is so entertaining it is hoped that Jonathan does not leave it another 30 years before he writes another play.

Jonathan Bate has cleverly mixed the seven ages of man as the seven ages of Shakespeare life. Simon Callow is the teacher we all wished we had presenting the known facts, which are very few and the great speeches from Shakespeare, Mark Anthony, Henry V and King Lear all done as only one of the greats can do them.

If all the worlds a stage then Simon Callow is at the centre of that stage and he brings all his experience to “Shakespeare, The Man From Stratford” mixing all the emotions

The set is so simple; basically Simon Callow and a few props but the lighting, music and background sounds enhance an already superb production.

I urge you to see this play, if you think that Shakespeare is “boring” then this will change your mind, it is an opportunity to see one of the great actors in a great role and I can only state again that it cannot be long before we are watching Sir Simon Callow.

Shakespeare The Man From Stratford is on at the Liverpool Playhouse until Saturday 19th June.