A dark, tragic tale, The Duchess Of Malfi should be the perfect play with which to open the candle-lit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, the new indoor theatre at Shakespeare’s Globe.
With its tale of hideous revenge exacted on the Duchess who wants nothing more than to marry the man she loves, John Webster’s play promises to be an atmospheric treat in the new auditorium illuminated only by the flickering of flame.
Though a few of these images, captured by photographer Mark Douet, highlight the brooding, ominous nature of the Duchess’ tormentors, it’s not all been threatening poses and grief. It’s good to see there’s been laughter from leading lady Gemma Arterton and last year’s Critics’ Circle Most Promising Newcomer Denise Gough.
The Duchess Of Malfi is the opening production in the first season of shows at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse that also includes Beaumont’s comedy The Knight Of The Burning Pestle, featuring many of the same cast members, and The Malcontent, performed by the Globe Young Players.