Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well is a classic ‘problem play’, in that there is no hero or heroine worthy of loyalty, nor does it represent love in a way that is to be admired.   

A dark comedy full of wit and humour, All’s Well That Ends Well is a real work of art.  This particular production has brought it into the twenty-first century, with the cast using phones and Twitter to aid the storytelling.  The plot itself is fairly simple: Helena is in love with Bertram, but Bertram has other ideas. Despite becoming a husband, Bertram runs off to war to escape consummating their marriage. He says he will only acknowledge their marriage if she bares his child (amongst other obligations). Helena befriends a woman called Diana and they perform the classic bed swap, resulting in Helen baring his child.  In this play, you root for no-one: the American hero? A fool! The heroine? Forced a man into marriage! A magnetic ensemble full of energy and vibrance weave the plot together with their own wit, humour and character flaws.  The cast themselves are all superb, as you would expect from the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The set, albeit a simple one, works remarkably well: a large dome is the focus throughout, which represents a crown, a helicopter, even an army tent.  This allows focus to shift to Shakespeare’s hilarious and captivating plot.  The use of a simple wig, represents the bed swap clear and swift. As ever, the words of the clown Parolles (played by the wonderful Jamie Wilkes) are the most memorable; though it isn’t just his words which captivate the audience.  The physical comedy he demonstrates throughout could rival Stan Laurel. At one point, he is dangling from a balcony when he finds a rope, exclaiming ‘convenient!’. From the onset, it is Rosie Sheehy (who plays Helena) that is the anti-heroine glue that holds the show together. She grows from a young naïve orphan into a very capable, albeit conniving, woman.

Although remarkably funny, the plot itself is slightly problematic. Its title as one of Shakespeare’s problem plays is evident from the start.  It contains some uncomfortable themes, such as forced marriage and women being perceived as desperate.  Despite this, the cast deliver the lines so wonderfully and with such conviction, you can almost forgive the lack of morals the show portrays.  Of course, many immovable Shakespeare fans will flock to see this show regardless, as they should. If, however, you are a Shakespeare virgin, what better place to see it than in this wonderful theatre in his hometown? In the words of the fool Parolles, ‘are you meditating on virginity?’ We certainly hope not!

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton

All’s Well That Ends Well plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon until 8 October, with tickets available here.