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?
Cast
Will Shakespeare / Chris Horne
Kit Marlowe, Nol/Benvolio & Priest / Blair McLean
Henslowe / Neil Rusling
Fennyman/Apothecary / Stephen O’Neil
Lambert, Lord Wessex & Burbage Thug / Craig Haywood
Frees, Robin/Lady Capulet & a Montague / Alex Dickens
Burbage & Catling / Wayde Beckman
Lord Chamberlain Tilney, Boatman & Burbage Thug / Bruce Cannell
Queen Elizabeth & dancer / Victoria Wilks
Lady in Waiting, Kate, & dancer / Tracey Bentall
Lady in Waiting, Molly serving wench, & dancer / Leah Crosland
Actor Proteus, Sam/Juliet / Oscar Brunsdon
Viola/Thomas Kent / Louisa Boyer
Nurse & Mistress Quickly / Virginia Earle
Ralph/Nurse, a Capulet & Abraham / Kieran Timms
Actor Adam, Sir Robert De Lesseps & Peter/Petruccio / Luke Aki
Dancer & Ned Alleyn/ Mercutio / Cameron Mahan
Wasbach/Prologue / Sebastian Collin Smyth
John Webster / Christian Taylor, Sebastian Whiting, Liam Woodward
Spot the Dog / Daisy, Rava
Crew
Director / Sue Mortimer
Stage Manager / Wendy Howard
Prompt / Charmaine Thomson
Lighting Design / Jacob Cannell
Lighting Operation / Peter Fleming
Sound Design & Operation / Sean Murphy
Set Construction / Bruce Cannell, Wayde Beckman
Artwork & Publicity / Blair McLean
Social Publicity / Lauren Ford-Jones
Photography / Blair McLean, Tim Gruar, Oscar Brunsdon
Costumes / Gael Cherian, Susan McConachie, Sue Mortimer, Nina Vincent
Fight Choreographer / Janet Noble
Fight Assistant / James Kiesel
Intimacy Advisor / Lauren Ford-Jones
Front of House Manager / Katherine O’Neil
Ticketing / Paulette McIndoe
Gallery
