Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure

Spring Term senior production at Samuel Pepys Theatre.

This term the Samuel Pepys Theatre was transformed into a derelict East London warehouse, showcasing a stunning catwalk of New Romantic costumes, for a shattering reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. Accompanied by a soundtrack of 1980s hits from the likes of the Eurythmics, New Order and Duran Duran, a cast of twenty senior actors took on one of the bard’s darkest and strangest plays; by turns a bawdy comedy and a chilling tragedy, Measure for Measure sees the Duke absents himself from the city, instructing his pious deputy, Angelo, to rule in his place.Reviving old morality laws but overwhelmed with lust for a novice nun, Angelo sets Isabella an impossible bargain: her chastity for her brother’s life.

In an outstanding ensemble, under the direction of Christian Anthony, particular praise must go to Josh Goldstein as the duplicitous Duke, Tom Zussman as a terrifying Angelo, and Miriam Agiru in a spellbinding performance as the tortured Isabella, with dazzling comic support provided by Will Allen and Harry Cotterell. The production’s shocking climax will live long in the memory of all who saw it.