Celebrating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio, RSC Artistic Director Emeritus Gregory Doran directs his 50th production for the company, Cymbeline.

Described as a dark fairy tale coming to life, it’s the story that transports us from Rome to the rolling hills of Wales. It has the wicked stepmother, a runaway, a faithful servant, lost brothers and a headless corpse …. Okay, maybe that last one is particularly dark!

In a nutshell, Cymbeline’s daughter Imogen has married Posthumus Leonatus in secret. Cymbeline had intended for her to marry Cloten, the son of his second wife and so, banishes Posthumus. Whilst in exile, Posthumus accepts a wager from Iachimo that he can sleep with his wife. Iachimo hatches a plan and wrongly convinces Posthumus that he has won the bet. Imogen flees to the Welsh hills believing that Posthumus has landed at Milford Haven. Now disguised as a boy, Imogen encounters Belarius and his two ‘sons’ who give shelter in their cave. Falling ill after taking poison, Imogen is buried, believed dead. Having received news that Imogen has died, Posthumus returns with the Roman army, but changes sides and fights for Britain. Rome is defeated and all is finally revealed.

The whole cast are exceptional, with special mentions to Alexandra Gilbreath (The Queen, Cymbeline’s second wife) who truly enraptures the wicked stepmother persona; Conor Glean (Cloten) who portrays the spoilt brat that always gets his own way brilliantly, complete with sulky faces and feet stomping; and Amber James (Imogen) as the strong-willed daughter who doesn’t believe in giving up and incorporates this into her characterisation whole heartedly - she’s a joy to watch throughout. 

The relationship between Belarius (Christian Patterson) and his ‘sons’ Guiderius (Scott Gutteridge) and Arviragus (Daf Thomas) is charming, and the bond between parent and siblings is portrayed seamlessly.

Doran’s directing, combined with Jonathan Ruddick’s sound, Matt Daw’s lighting and Sian Williams’ movement completes a perfectly rounded production culminating in an impressive battle scene.

It’s a pleasing production which portrays a story of betrayal, comedy, tolerance and ultimately the message of peace and reminds us why the magic of theatre is such an important part of our culture.

Integral, congenial and all-consuming.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Cymbeline plays at the RSC, Stratford until 27 May, with further information here.