Octagon Theatre, Bolton – until Sat 3rd June 2023
Reviewed by Zoe Brown
5*****
Book of Will brings to life the true story of how surviving members of William Shakespeare’s company of actors; angered by incorrect imitations of the bard’s work, strive to collate the pages of his original scripts to prevent his work being misquoted, or worse still, lost to history. You don’t have to be a fan of Shakespeare to enjoy this moving show, however if you are, then you’re in for a treat.
A collaboration between Queens Theatre, Hornchurch, the new Shakespeare North Playhouse and Octagon Theatre, Bolton sees Lauren Gunderson’s ‘nimble caper’ brought to life. Directed superbly by the Octagon’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham.
This ensemble’s company of actors were brilliantly cast by Olivia Barr. Russell Richardson as John Heminges and Bill Ward as Henry Condell, excel as two of Shakespeare’s surviving stage players, sharing in their grief for friendships, loved ones lost and the power of the stage to exercise their emotions. With Russell Richardson giving a heart wrenching performance. Jessica Ellis as Heminges daughter held herself as a strong loving and devoted patron of the arts who served to encourage and support her father and the company in their endeavor. Helen Pearson as Rebecca Heminges, the lovingly devoted wife. I particularly enjoyed the performance of Andrew Whitehead as Ben Jonson and Sir Edward Dering. A fine character actor. Tarek Slater is hilarious as he struts and preens as Boy Hamlet. Zach Lee is a commanding Richard Burbridge. And Callum Sim a passionate Isaac Jaggard who without which the folio would never come to pass.
The entire cast including Tomi Ogbaro and Carrie Quinlan, playing between them 30 different characters were joyful, sincere and a pleasure to watch as they shared the toil, anguish, and pure tenacity it took following Will’s death to ensure that the original scripts could be found and collated into one complete folio of his works for future generations to admire.