Shakespeare in Love, Noel Coward Theatre ★★★★★

Penned by writer of Arcadia Tom Stoppard and Oscar-winner Marc Norman the film Shakespeare in Love follows a young William Shakespeare, struggling with writer’s block and the pangs of love as he writes Romeo and Juliet.
Shakespeare in Love London, the play
Directed and designed by Cheek by Jowl theatre company, run by Declan Donellan and Nick Ormerod, the new production is adapted from the original screenplay by Lee Hall (the multi-award-winning writer behind the stage adaptation of Billy Elliot and the screenplay of the film War Horse).
Shakespeare in Love: new cast
The vast cast, which includes a bank of musicians, a lolling labradoodle as well as familiar figures such as Shakespeare and Marlowe, work together in an enchanting ensemble, which channels the energy of an Elizabethan playhouse. After captivating performances as the ill-fated lovers, Lucy Briggs-Owen and Tom Bateman have set the bar very high. A new cast, headed by Orlando James as Shakespeare and Eve Ponsonby as Viola, have already begun rehearsals. Their chemistry has already crackled in Cheek by Jowl's revival of Jacobean drama 'Tis Pity She's a Whore. But perhaps the most exciting part of the casting announcement is that loveable labradoodle Barney will be reprising his role as Spot the Dog.

Culture Whisper review: Shakespeare in Love ★★★★★
Producer Sonia Friedman said of the production that, “Every now and then a story comes along that cries out to be staged. This is one such story.” With its tragic romance, intense theatricality, gentle humour and even the occasional sword fight, Shakespeare in Love has already been heralded 'Britain's best new comedy' by The Telegraph and we at Culture Whisper herald this play as one of our favourite shows in London. This is the kind of joyful, exuberant and deeply rousing show that reminds you of the magic of the West End. The energy of an Elizabethan playhouse abounds as seamless scene changes transport you from tavern brawl to intimate bedchamber. It's been a long time since we've laughed - or cried - this much at the theatre. This is a testament to the glowing talent of the cast, Bateman and Briggs-Owen in particular, as the well-known stories of both Stoppard's film and Romeo and Juliet are rendered newly surprising and captivating. We look forward to seeing how the new cast compare.