Review: LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST, THE GLOBE

Tristram Kenton

Reimagining Shakespeare is always a balancing act. Modern concepts can

sometimes feel like they have been imposed onto a classic text simply for the sake

of novelty, but Indiana Lown-Collins; flamenco-inspired production of Love’s Labour’s

Lost avoids that trap. Instead, the Spanish influence feels quite at home within the

world of the play, adding warmth, passion and rhythm without overshadowing

Shakespeare’s words.

The story follows the King of Navarre and his three companions, who swear an oath

to devote themselves to study and avoid the company of women. Their resolve is

quickly tested when the Princess of France and her entourage arrive on a diplomatic

mission, leading to romance, deception and plenty of comic misunderstandings.

The flamenco sequences become one of the production's greatest strengths. Rather

than acting as decorative interludes, the choreography helps to tell the story,

reflecting the growing emotions of the characters while also providing welcome

moments of visual energy between the dialogue-heavy scenes. Carmen Igarza's

movement direction works seamlessly alongside the live musicians, whose playing

gives the production a sense of vitality throughout.

Jax Guerrero proves to be one of the evening's standout performers, bringing both

charm and humour to the dual roles of Dumaine and Moth. Their youthful energy and

comic timing make every appearance engaging. Joshua Hill is equally entertaining

as Costard, capturing the character's petulant, spoilt nature with excellent comic

precision.

One of the production's biggest successes comes as the four noblemen discover

they have all fallen in love. Their attempts to woo the women through Shakespeare's

poetry, set against recognisable modern pop songs including 'Despacito'and 'Livin

La Vida Loca', provide some of the funniest moments of the evening. It is a playful

creative decision that could easily have felt out of place, yet it works perfectly,

earning some of the night's biggest laughs.

While there is much to admire, Love’s Labour’s Lost remains one of Shakespeare's

more challenging comedies. Even with the vibrant staging, music and movement, the

production occasionally struggles to maintain momentum. This is perhaps

compounded by the Globe experience itself, where audiences are either standing for

the duration or seated on famously unforgiving wooden benches. During the more

dialogue-heavy passages, attention naturally begins to drift despite the casts

committed performances.

Visually, however, the production rarely loses its appeal. Katie Lias' colourful design,

combined with the infectious music and dynamic choreography, creates an

atmosphere that celebrates joy, romance and community.

This may not convert anyone who already finds Love’s Labour’s Lost one of

Shakespeare's more difficult plays, but it does offer a fresh interpretation that feels

both considered and entertaining. Rather than relying on its flamenco concept as a

gimmick, it uses it to enrich the storytelling, making this an enjoyable summer

evening at Shakespeare's Globe.

***Three Stars

Reviewed by Tara Whenray

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