Danny Soloman in the role of Robert Southwell, the Jesuit priest and poet who was tortured by Sir Richard Topcliffe (Robin Kingsland) by the orders of Queen Elizabeth is the subject in the latest production at White Bear Theatre by Jonathan Moore.
Shakespeare’s Cousin doesn’t hold back in the graphic explanations of how this man was tortured and killed for his faith and strength in his own beliefs in 1595. Yet, in 2026, many hundreds of people are still being murdered for their religious beliefs, and in some countries, they use similar torture techniques.
While waiting for his imminent death. Southwell has an unexpected visitor. Alex Townson, in the role of Sir Oliver, enters the prison cell, Topcliffe thinks he has come to speak some sense into Robert, and he will try to convert him. However, we soon discover that it’s actually his cousin, The Bard.
Their meeting does appear to last quite a long time, and I am surprised it didn’t raise any suspicions from the prison guards and his torturer Topcliffe.
The cast of three have a brilliant rapport on stage. Soloman gives a convincing performance as a man firm in his beliefs and facing the heinous torture forced upon him without faltering once. He remains strong and stands firm about the god he worships and believes in.
The script itself requires work and editing, as the storyline can lose its thread in places, and the storyline often repeats itself. With a Fringe Theatre production, anything over about 70-80 minutes is too long, and you can be in danger of losing your audiences attention.
For more information about Shakespeare’s Cousin and future productions at White Bear Theatre, please use the link below.
Two Stars.
Photo credit Kai Dorovk.
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