Rather than assuming that a play centered around William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, renowned British playwrights, would solely revolve around language, it’s important to note that Ncuti Gatwa’s new work, Born With Teeth, offers something quite different from that expectation.
At present, the actors from Doctor Who and My Lady Jane are showcasing their talents in the limited West End run of Born With Teeth, where they portray historical figures Christopher “Kit” Marlowe and Will Shakespeare respectively. Their characters engage in an intriguing power struggle that incorporates elements of rivalry, flirtation, manipulation, and hostility, leaving the audience guessing who holds the upper hand.
Without a doubt, Christopher Marlowe comes across as quite menacing in the play; he appears to be quite dangerous,” said Bluemel.
During one rehearsal, Dan, our director, asked Ncuti to discard all our previous work and instead, unleash the wild nature within his character Christopher.

It was truly captivating to witness Ncuti’s courage, charm, and panache unfold through his character. His performance was so authentic that it kept me guessing and made me feel like I was right there, in the same room with an enigmatic, unpredictable individual.
Although Will in the play appears naive and gentle, there’s also a threat lurking for him. The scene is about his response – finding the courage to stand up for himself in that critical moment.
In such a tense environment between the main characters during filming, Bluemel emphasized the importance of building trust between himself and Gatwa.
The focus is primarily on ensuring safety while performing together for 80 minutes on stage. It’s comforting to gaze over and find a person you trust, understanding that we both have each other’s backs. And indeed, that’s the case.
“Ncuti’s an incredibly exciting actor to act with, he’s very giving and a very kind person.”
During the development of a trusting relationship, it was established that both parties collaborated extensively with an intimacy specialist to handle and choreograph certain physically intense moments.

He expressed that it significantly aided us in finding confidence with each other and feeling embodied. Each night, we are embarking on a genuine adventure, one that is both emotional and physically demanding, whether through passion or aggression. A fantastic team has ensured this experience feels secure for us.
On film sets, intimacy coordinators have grown commonplace in recent years. Yet, discussions around their presence in stage performances have been relatively scarce. Nonetheless, as mentioned by Bluemel, collaborating with an intimacy coordinator is an extensive undertaking.
He remarked, “The stage is quite distinct; we perform night after night. Unlike having an intimacy coordinator work with us for a day on intimate scenes such as a love scene or a kiss, it requires preparation for the upcoming weeks.
Clearly, Bluemel found the depth and complexity within this play appealing. Upon reading the script and learning Ncuti Gatwa had been cast as Kit, his response was, “Wow, this is going to be amazing!
“It’s an unbelievable game of cat and mouse… but who is the mouse?”
When can I see Ncuti Gatwa in Born With Teeth?

Born With Teeth is running until 1st November 2025, with shows every Monday to Saturday.
Where can I see Ncuti Gatwa in Born With Teeth?
At the core of London’s vibrant West End lies Wyndham’s Theatre, where you can catch Born With Teeth. For a hassle-free journey, make your way to Leicester Square, easily accessible via the Northern and Piccadilly tube lines.
How to get Born With Teeth tickets
Tickets are available on LOVE Theatre and London Theatre Direct starting from £27.
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2025-08-16 12:34