Simon Godwin makes his Royal Shakespeare Company debut to direct the Bard’s exuberant romantic comedy. He is Associate Director of the Royal Court and his production of “Strange Interlude” recently played to critical acclaim at the National Theatre. This is the first time in 45 years “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” has been performed in full production on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage.
Valentine and Proteus are best friends, until they fall in love with the same girl. Having travelled to Milan in search of adventure, they both fall for the Duke’s daughter Silvia. But Proteus is already sworn to his sweetheart, Julia, at home in Verona, and the Duke thinks Valentine is not good enough for his Silvia. With friendship forgotten, the rivals’ affections quickly get out of hand as the four young lovers find themselves on a wild chase through the woods, confused by mistaken identity and threatened by fierce outlaws before they find a path to reconciliation.
“The Two Gentlemen of Verona” features Mark Arends as Proteus and Michael Marcus as Valentine. Mark recently appeared in Headlong’s 1984, and Michael’s credits include playing Henry Tudor in the BBC series The White Queen. Launce is played by Roger Morlidge, who has just finished appearing in the West End transfer of The Full Monty.
Critics are raving about this production of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”:
'There's a lovely summery feel to Simon Godwin's modern-dress production of this early Shakespeare comedy; it's a stylish and confident RSC debut.' — Evening Standard
'Director Simon Godwin eagerly explores the light and dark sides of romance in a striking RSC debut.' — Guardian
'Simon Godwin's lively, modern-dress staging…remarkably engaging, amusing and disquieting.' — Times
'Winning comic fizz to complement its dark side.' — Daily Telegraph