Edward 11 Marlowe - Globe

I saw it tonight and it's a handsome production. The first part is more elegant than deep, and a part from the very fine Tom Stuart and Colin Ryan the acting is quite declamatory and broad. The second act is more visceral and better acted, even if the stage is annoyingly dark at times, especially in the final scene when Edward III restores order. Somehow the production highlights the limits of the text and of Marlowe as a playwright, his notorious difficulty with female characters is here fully articulated in Isabella. The very annoying and unsympathetic Gaveston of Beru Tessema makes us feel for her as the scorned queen but her 180° turn in the second act is a puzzle. We are supposed to believe that there's passion and love between her and Mortimer, but we never see it here. Also I wonder why Edward III is openly ignored when he pleads for his uncle's life but promptly obeyed when he orders Mortimer's execution, we are not told where this change of authority comes from. Still, it's a charming production that highlights the homoerotic elements of the first scenes but remains an intensely political play. Tbh it's a bit awkward how much the globe's website advertises it as a gay play about LGBT issues and stuff, one could think he's about to see an early modern Angels in America.

Just out from this. Second half better. Tom Stuart good in title role, katie west also good as Isabella. Rest of ensemble erm mixed. As an aside, the usher volunteer on my door had a strong german accent, as the Globe already have a fearsome rep, this made it worse!!