Stanley Thomas, Joe Sefton and Caroline Thornham Jonah Surkes

May Week is synonymous with its balls, garden parties and general extravagance, but it is equally the time of year that the Cambridge theatre scene takes to the many beautiful college grounds. Earlier this week I attended a rehearsal for the upcoming production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona in Selwyn Gardens to speak with director Anna Jennings, assistant director Emma Shaw and a few members of the cast as they prepare to bring this classic tale to life.

Anna was first and foremost keen to point out that this production was committed to having a strong youthful vibe, determined to instil a sense of vibrancy and energy within one of Shakespeare’s less critically acclaimed comedies. The director explained how their creative decisions are not just to imbue the piece with a modern vibe, but equally how they are to add to the performance an engaging celebration of youthfulness. Emma and Anna shared, for instance, that John Tothill had written a song specifically for this production, which Proteus, played by Joe Sefton, will perform on his guitar to serenade Sylvia beneath her window, adding to the intended festival theme.

George Booth-Clibborn and Stanley Thomas with BasilAnna Jennings

When asked why she chose to direct The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Anna revealed that she found the script to have a more problematic and incomplete plot. Being one of Shakespeare’s earlier works, this allows for a less polished script and offers the chance to see Shakespeare’s creative mind at work. Various edits and cuts have been made to tighten the script, including the merging of certain characters. Equally, the Duke, played by Simon West, is not to be a patriarchal figure or one of authority, instead a comic role ignored by everyone around him. When discussing some of the more complicated scenes, such as Proteus’ attempt to assault Silvia, they explained that they wanted to utilise these moments to offer insight into the philosophy and genuine emotion of the original work.

Speaking with a few members of the cast during the rehearsal, the whole team seems to have many tricks up their sleeves to bring this show to life in the beautiful setting of Selwyn's gardens. Not only did they mention potential plans to incorporate the vestibule of the chapel into their performance but they are also very excited about the prospect of there being a dog involved, Basil. The cast and crew, along with their four-legged friend, are hoping to lead their audiences into May Week with a vibrant and modern interpretation of a Shakespeare classic.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona will be showing at 2pm on Friday 10th June and Saturday 11th June 2016 in Selwyn College gardens