Shakespeare In Love (South African Premiere)
In 2017, the South African premiere of Shakespeare in Love captivated audiences with its lavish Elizabethan costumes sourced from the Royal Shakespeare Company, breathtaking design by renowned UK designer Paul Wills, and a production that brought the magic of the Bard’s world to life. Due to overwhelming demand, this award-winning production returned for a sold-out revival in 2018, solidifying its status as one of South Africa’s most spectacular stage productions.
At the heart of the play is young Will Shakespeare, struggling with writer’s block as the deadline for his new play looms. Inspiration strikes when he meets Viola, a spirited and determined admirer who defies the law to appear in his next play. Their love story unfolds against a vibrant backdrop of mistaken identity, backstage theatrics, and ruthless ambition, leading to the creation of his greatest masterpiece.
Adding to the production’s irresistible charm was Bogart, the talented canine actor who stole audiences’ hearts with his scene-stealing presence. His unforgettable performance brought an extra layer of humour and delight, proving that even in a world of Shakespearean intrigue, a dog can still command the stage.
Directed by Greg Karvellas, this visually stunning production seamlessly blended romance, comedy, and theatrical magic, capturing the essence of the Oscar-winning film and transforming it into an unforgettable stage experience.
Cast
Will Shakespeare, Ensemble
Dylan Edy (2017)
Daniel Mpilo Richards (2018)
Lady Viola de Lesseps, Thomas Kent, Ensemble
Roxane Hayward (2017/2018)
Queen Elizabeth, Kate, Ensemble, Accent Coach
Robyn Scott (2017/2018)
Lord Wessex, Ensemble
Jason K. Ralph (2017/2018)
Fennyman
John Maytham (2017/2018)
Ned Alleyn, Ensemble
Nicholas Pauling (2017/2018)
Christopher “Kit” Marlowe, Peter, Tybalt, Ensemble
Theo Landey (2017)
Armand Aucamp (2018)
Henslowe, Ensemble
Darron Araujo (2017/2018)
Richard Burbage, Ensemble
Mark Elderkin (2017/2018)
Nurse, Ensemble
Lucy Tops (2017/2018)
Ralph, Ensemble
Adrian Collins (2017/2018)
Tilney, Robert de Lesseps, Ensemble
Walter van Dyk (2017/2018)
Mr Wabash, Ensemble
Louis Viljoen (2017/2018)
John Webster, Ensemble
Nathan Lynn (2017)
Dean Balie (2018)
Mistress Quickly, Waitress, Lady in Waiting, Molly, Ensemble
Bianca Flanders (2017)
Kathleen Stephens (2018)
Sam, Ensemble
Sven Ruygrok (2017/2018)
Nol, Ensemble
Andrew Roux (2017)
Pierre Malherbe (2018)
Frees, Adam, Ensemble
Sizo Mahlangu (2017)
Alex Tops (2018)
Robin, Catling, Lady Capulet, Ensemble
Lamar Bonhomme (2017)
Rendani Mufamadi (2018)
Ensemble/Dance Captain
Rachel Mertens (2017/2018)
The Dog
Bogart (2017/2018)
Creative team
Based on the screenplay by
Marc Norman & Tom Stoppard
Adapted for the stage by
Lee Hall
Music by
Paddy Cunneen
Originally produced on the West End by
Disney Theatrical Productions & Sonia Friedman Productions, directed by Declan Donnellan, and designed by Nick Ormerod
Director
Greg Karvellas
Set Designer
Paul Wills
Associate Set Designer
Chris Pienaar
Lighting Designer
Wolf Britz
Choreographer
Kristin Wilson
Sound Designer, Sound Systems Tech
David Classen
Fight Choreographer
Jon Keevy
Costume Sourcing and Styling
Birrie le Roux
Widaad Albertus
Musical Supervisor
Charl-Johan Lingenfelder
Set Construction
Gerhard Morkel
Carl Gersbach for CHG Engineering
Scenic Painting
Eloise Milward for Scene Visual Productions
Costumes Supplied by
The Royal Shakespeare Company Angels & Artscape
