(seen at the afternoon performance on 17th September 2025)
Sadly, there is a massive Simon Russell Beale hole at the centre of this transfer from Stratford-Upon-Avon.
There, the central performance was lauded as it raised Shakespeare’s rather melodramatic fifth play to new heights with the application of a distinctive gravitas.
While John Hodgkinson fills the role of Titus Andronicus with enormous competence, it is very clear that the entire cast are shaken by losing their leading man, and that Max Webster’s production had moulded itself around one actor – a shape it cannot lose.
The result is probably a poor folio reprint of what thrilled Stratford audiences. In a third-empty auditorium, that is a pity, as what we do have rises at times to rather thrilling.
According to the programme, Mr Beale undertook a lot of editing in order to ensure the clarity of text and shortened running time. Both work. The monkey is, oddly, unfamiliar with the play; yet caught the entire gist instantly.
Confused by some disjointed jumps and twists, it was correct in assuming these were down to Bill the Quill’s early days rather than inattention on monkey’s part.
Strong performances and plenty of ketchup moments made the second act, in particular, fly.
Letty Thomas is a tragic Lavinia, crushed by events. She manages to hold her stick firm, no Noel Coward cry of “butter stumps” here.
Mother Marcia (Emma Fielding) plays well the political game and loses all with explicit horror and confusion.
Max Bennett makes Emperor Saturninus Blairite – smiling with malicious undercurrent. Matched by Wendy Kweh’s Tamora, theirs is a marriage made in a hell that makes the MacBeth’s look like Terry and June.
Strong work from Ken Nwosu too as Tamora’s lover Aaron. Corrupt discovering morality, or moral and corrupted. He keeps us wondering.
Whenever Joanna Scotcher’s Latin engraved slab set (abattoir hooks above and a few tables) requires furniture rearrangement, rather odd shapes are thrown by the company. Jade Hackett probably intends prowling evil, but this steadily loses impact in the large Hampstead space.
If you saw this production at Stratford, you almost certainly won’t wish to see it again, the monkey feels. If you did not, and are unfamiliar with the work, it is a decent introduction presented with clarity.
4 stars.