Not quite Marvel, but Avengers Assembleth is worth a look

By Amy Stow

The year is 15something, and Queen Elizabeth I must stop the Pope from making an address, preventing her from converting England to Protestantism. What does she do? She commissions Shakespeare to write a play, of course! And forth from his pen arise the greats – Hamlet, the Shrew, Romeo and Brutus, amongst others – in a battle of puns, wits and egos. This well-written show pokes fun at some of Shakespeare’s most infamous characters, and sends up some of the Bard’s writing itself through the use of various silly similes and metaphors (‘your anger is like a penguin’ springs to mind).

The committed cast from Drakes Drummers’ Production bring a lovely energy and exuberance to their characters, daft as this play is, and despite their youth many have excellent comic timing and a wonderful ease on stage. It is heart-warming to see young actors play on stage, focusing on the text and narrative. Simple staging and lighting only adds to the charm. More stars may have been awarded to this production, however, had the narrative been stronger, or resolved (it appeared to end rather abruptly) and the actors were clearer in their delivery (which was at times a bit jumbled).

Despite this, Shakespeare’s Avengers Assembleth showcases a talented bunch of budding actors that evidently possess a real understanding – and enjoyment – of this amusing Shakespeare-inspired play.

★★★

Shakespeare’s Avengers Assembleth

Greenside @ Royal Terrace

August 1st-9th, 17:20 (55 mins)

@assembleth

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