About

I will have poetry in my life. And adventure. And love. Love above all

This stage adaptation of the 1998 film is a wildly playful, funny, energetic and romantic work of historical fiction set in Elizabethan London with rival theatres and a demanding queen who very much wants, “a comedy - with a dog.” It was adapted for the stage by writer Lee Hall (Tony & Olivier Award-winner), based on the screenplay by writers Marc Norman (Academy Award-winner) and Tom Stoppard (Tony, Olivier & Academy award -winner).

It uses many of the plot devices commonly found in plays of the Elizabethan era – cross-dressing disguises, mistaken identities, suspicions of adultery, sword fighting, a comedic nurse and even visions of ghosts plus a play within a play…and a dog.

The plot follows a struggling young playwright William Shakespeare - penniless and indebted to two demanding producers. He is tormented by writer’s block until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor. Both are despondent when they learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the toxic Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family. Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing – Romeo and Juliet. With opening night – and the wedding day – fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion.

Will it all work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy?

Dates

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Mana Little Theatre
The Studio, 9 Sunset Parade , Plimmerton Porirua 5026

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