Simon Russell Beale delivers a tour de force in Greg Doran's intimate new production of Shakespeare's Venus and Adonis, now playing at the Barbican's The Pit. The 90-minute piece, adapted from the narrative poem, transforms the stage into a space of raw emotion and erotic tension, with Beale playing both the goddess Venus and the young Adonis in a daring solo performance.
A Solo Tour de Force
Beale, one of Britain's most celebrated stage actors, shifts seamlessly between the two characters, using subtle changes in posture, voice, and gesture to delineate the lustful Venus and the reluctant Adonis. Doran's direction emphasizes the poem's sensuality and violence, with the intimate setting of The Pit drawing the audience into the tragic love story. The production runs until July 12, with tickets priced from £25.
Eroticism and Tragedy Intertwined
The adaptation, by Doran himself, condenses Shakespeare's 1,194-line poem into a taut drama that highlights the themes of desire, rejection, and mortality. Beale's performance captures Venus's desperate passion and Adonis's cold indifference, culminating in the young man's death by a boar. The production features original music by Paul Englishby and stark lighting by Tim Mitchell, which together create a haunting atmosphere.
According to Doran, the aim was to "strip the poem to its emotional core, allowing the language to speak directly to the audience." The result is a production that feels both ancient and contemporary, with Beale's performance earning standing ovations at previews.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Response
Critics have praised Beale's versatility, with one reviewer noting that "his Venus is both comic and tragic, while his Adonis is stubbornly petulant." The production has been lauded for its bold interpretation of a lesser-known Shakespeare work. "It's a rare chance to see a master actor at the height of his powers," said a spokesperson for the Barbican. Tickets are selling quickly, with several performances already sold out.
