Cymbeline Review: Stratford Festival Theatre Production

Many theaters can put on decent versions of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, but the true test of a company’s skill is when they tackle the “problem plays.” Esther Jun has truly brought Shakespeare’s Cymbeline to life in this 2¾-hour production. While some may find her comedic take on serious situations a bit much, the drama is always engaging, and the actors truly shine in moments of fear and tragedy.

One standout feature of this production is the commitment to realistic period interpretations of the play. Michelle Bohn’s stunning costumes transport us to ancient Britain, while Echo Zhou’s simple yet beautiful set allows for seamless scene transitions. The casting choices are also refreshing, with color-blind and gender-equal roles challenging traditional norms.

The play, also known as Cymbeline, King of Britain, is reimagined with Lucy Peacock convincingly portraying Cymbeline as a Queen. Traditionally evil characters are given new twists, keeping the plot intriguing and unexpected. The ensemble cast, led by Allison Edwards-Crewe as Innogen and Jordin Hall as Posthumus, delivers a strong performance that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.

Despite the play’s at times convoluted plot, this production manages to captivate and entertain effortlessly. Available to stream on the Stratfest@home website in various formats, this production is a true gem for theater lovers. With a monthly subscription fee of £6.44 or an annual fee of £64.47, fans of high-quality theater can enjoy hours of top-notch entertainment.