Double Falsehood at Union Theatre

Controversy isn’t something you’d usually associate with Shakespeare – not only is the Bard firmly established within ‘the cannon’, but the word itself quickly dates (as a frustrated teenager I remember being disappointed by just how unshocking the once banned Lady Chatterley’s Lover was).

But the contention surrounding Double Falsehood is about authorship rather than content. Last year Shakespeare nerds were up in arms when Methuen decided to include the play in its Arden complete works. Now Phil Willmott is bravely taking on the naysayers with the first staging of the play in 200 years at the Union Theatre, ahead of the RSC’s version in April.

Willmott’s elegant production, with minimal staging and modern-day costumes, provides a stripped-down platform for the audience to ponder its authenticity. And indeed, most of the fun comes from trying to work out which bits may have been penned by Shakespeare.

The double falsehood in question is committed by Adam Redmore’s Henrique when he rapes the virtuous Violente (Jessie Lilley) and sets out to pursue his friend Julio’s (Gabriel Vick) sweetheart Leonora (Emily Plumtree). The performances are all lively, apart from Redmore who is slightly lacklustre. However, it’s Stephen Boswell who provides the most entertainment as Julio’s fussy and snub-averse father.

The play certainly ticks some boxes with the usual Shakesperean lark of cross-dressing, but there’s something about Violente’s rape and reconciliation which doesn’t ring true – although her adversarial glance at Henrique following their marriage creates an effective final note of unease.

If it weren’t for the Shakespeare connection, Double Falsehood would likely have been left unstaged. And if it really is one of his, then it must have been written on an ‘off day’. That said, the production is well acted with enough vigour to make for an entertaining evening. And you’ll definitely earn yourself some culture points discussing its Shakespearean authenticity in the pub afterwards.

Double Falsehood runs at until February 12 at:

Union Theatre
204 Union Street
Soutwark
SE1 0LX

Tel: 020 7261 9876