'The Two Gentlemen of Verona', one of Shakespeare’s early comedies, is taking to the stage at Friargate Theatre under the direction of Ali Borthwick. “I think of my cast and smile. Sixteen humans and a dog, all eager to try new things, explore their characters, have fun and help to unfold the story of two unlikely lads from Verona, Proteus and Valentine, who fall in love; typically like mates, they end up fighting over the same girl. | "Sixteen humans and a dog, all eager to try new things..." | | Ali Borthwick |
"Intermingled with the plot are various characters, two servants, Launce and Speed, who comment on the masters’ love affairs, various suitors of Silvia, and a group of Outlaws and a dog, which pees, breaks wind and eats everything. "Apart from struggling with prose, a dog, and a nonsensical story, the actors are working in a new space. Setting the play in the round has challenged them, but it has lifted the play and added a new dimension. There is nowhere to hide, well apart from a small tree trunk, behind which a half naked Eglamour will cower!
 | | The Director in pensive mood |
"Having a real dog, in the part, obviously the phrase, ‘never work with animals & children’ springs to mind, but I remain open minded on the idea and I know my Producer, Ray Baggaley shares my enthusiasm to be working with a four-legged actor in that role. "This will be an adaptation of ‘Two Gents’ as you'll never quite see again. It’s chaotic, mad and funny, and I would like to apologise to any lovers of Elvis and Shakespeare now! Come and see it, join us in this whirlwind adventure..." |
