Here’s a rare chance to see Shakespeare’s early “problem” play slimmed down and sped up into a brisk, brutal comedy about toxic masculinity set in mid-20th century France and Italy. Chelsea Walker’s production features a spirited, knowing performance from Ruby Bentall as the resourceful heroine Helen (changed from the original ‘Helena’ for some reason), that just about makes credible the character’s devotion to the awful Bertram.
Like many previous directors, Walker detects a glaring gay subtext in Bertram’s decision to leave his arranged marriage to Helen unconsummated and go off to war with his preening friend Paroles (William Robinson). Kit Young’s Bertram has looks and swag, but he’s also clearly a sociopath, equally dangerous to men and women.
