The Lowry, Salford – until Saturday 5 October 2019
Reviewed by Joseph Everton
4****
What is it about blonde men, or just men for that matter, in positions of power that makes them so corruptible? Gregory Doran’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure felt a bit like watching the 10 o’ clock news when young nun, Isabella (Lucy Phelps) pleaded to Angelo (Sandy Grierson) for her brother’s life, only for him to abandon his principles and proposition her for sex. Isabella’s decision, her chastity for her brother’s life, made for a gripping watch, full of emotion.
To watch Isabella writhe as she was groped by Angelo was particularly difficult and for many women, probably all too relatable. The juxtaposition of comedy and desperately sad moments was striking, with the story moving at pace, as much as the Shakespearean script allowed. Lively scenes involving the effervescent and highly watchable Joseph Arkley as Lucio faded into the sombre ones where Isabella begged for mercy.
A mirrored set created interest as, even with few cast members on stage, movement was reflected all around. Chains aplenty, actors were dragged and prams loaded with illegitimate babies were wheeled this way and that, bringing life to the stage regularly to keep the audience interested. Sound came from a gallery above, the illegitimate babies cried and prison bars crashed down from during scenes in the cells. Convicts, with their crimes hung around their necks, were paraded through streets and sex workers strutted around in stockings in a Vienna that was short on morality and long on sin.
Although bleak, Measure for Measure was an enjoyable watch, featuring some entertaining individual performances.