There’s a good chance you’re going to enjoy Neptune Theatre’s take on Shakespeare in Love. Directed by Jeremy Webb, the play features a host of local Halifax actors, all of whom work to make this play a more comedic venture than I recall the movie being.


Allister MacDonald nails down the role of William Shakespeare, a writer toiling in relative obscurity. Fresh off a tepidly received performance of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Shakespeare is in the midst of a stressful predicament: He’s sold his next unwritten play, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter to two different people. Things are complicated further thanks to a crippling case of writer’s block—he’s unable to write anything of substance unless its spoon-fed to him by his friend and contemporary Christopher Marlowe (a charming Wayne Burns), or has a dog doing tricks. Toss in the extra stressor that his ragtag group of actors are less than impressive and Shakespeare’s a big ole ball of nerves. It’s not until he meets a prodigious acting talent named Thomas Kent (a wealthy elite named Viola de Lesseps in drag), that the curse is lifted. After quickly discovering Viola’s true identity, the two begin an affair, thus rekindling Shakespeare’s passion and giving birth to Romeo and Juliet.
Shakespeare in Love is a bold, confident season opener for Neptune. MacDonald’s Shakespeare is funny, witty, and passionate. Sarah English is sensational as Viola—her adoration for Will’s poetic prowess and dream to break free from her predetermined, misogynist environment is both nuanced and inspiring. English and MacDonald are a perfect couplet (sorry not sorry) and their chemistry radiates off the stage. The friendship between Marlowe and Shakespeare is another high point—the camaraderie between the pair becomes more meaningful as the play progresses.


This article appears in Sep 13-19, 2018.