Shakespeare in Love

13 May – 23 May 2026

Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard

Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, With music by Paddy Cunneen

Directed by Sue Mortimer

Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer’s block until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor. Both are despondent when they learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the stuffy Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family.

Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing – Romeo and Juliet. With opening night – and the wedding day – fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion. Will it all work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy?

"Laughs flowed freely as a group of scammers scammed the scammed. Or maybe the scammed scammed the scammers who were simultaneously scamming the scammed? Either which way each cast member perfectly inhabited their role – in a couple of scenes with the sleaziest gusto your shy and retiring scribe has seen on stage in many a year – and executed each twist and turn with style."

Roaming Roving Reporter Wellington District Theatre Federation