We've been wanting to see more fringe theater in London and have joined the mailing lists of half a dozen theatres in recent months. Away from the hype and the jukeboxes, the Off-West End scene has a lot to offer.
Our first fringe outing in London, to Southwark Playhouse's Parade, was comfortably one of the top 3 shows I've ever seen. Amped for more, I purchased us season tickets, and tonight we're back to experience Southwark's latest hit; the Bard's Shrew.
Unsurprisingly given the source material, Elexi Walker's Katherine is the clear standout. To deliver perfect Shakespearean dialog while oozing the sass of a Brixton girl in her 20s is a tall order. That she was able to nail both elements at once demonstrates a clear, magnetic, skill.
The staging is inventive and colourful, cleverly evoking South London without being too cliché through the use of knee-high walls to portray a whole street of shops. Doubtless it won't meet the puritan expectations of every reviewer, but I say there's something appealing to be found in it.
Shakespeare on a week night can be a challenge. Bravo to Southwark for creating an interpretation so freshly engaging without altering the original script.