A star rating of 4 out of 5.
In a revitalizing twist reminiscent of Shakespearean times, Born With Teeth breathes new life into the West End, currently captivating audiences at Wyndham’s Theatre for a brief but memorable stint.
As a cinephile, I’m excited to share that the upcoming production features Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in Doctor Who, and Edward Bluemel, recognized from My Lady Jane on Amazon Prime. This intriguing pseudo-Renaissance drama uncovers a hidden, sinister side of a period often shrouded in myth, offering a captivating glimpse into the disturbing secrets that lie beneath.
Liz Duffy’s two-person performance strips away the polished and revered portrayals of Tudor history, revealing instead a realm marked by sex, intrigue, and espionage; a realm where art and politics are as entangled in deceit as they often are in our contemporary world.
In this production, Gatwa takes on the role of Christopher “Kit” Marlowe, the renowned author whose works such as Dr. Faustus and Tamburlaine might be familiar from your GSCE studies. On the other hand, Bluemel portrays Will Shakespeare.
The duo are summoned to collaborate on Henry VI, but they get sidetracked due to their fierce competition and mutual flirting.
In no surprise, Gatwa shines in his portrayal of Marlowe. Reminiscent of a trapped tiger, the ex-Time Lord prowls the stage, playfully dangling, manipulating, and menacing Will with his actual links to Queen Elizabeth’s espionage network.
His magnetic danger radiates palpably onstage, but there’s an undeniable undertone of unfulfilled tension, because, as everyone is aware, it was Shakespeare, rather than Marlowe, who endured the passage of time.
Simultaneously, Bluemel remains equally robust. At times, he seems like a shy tabby cat, content with merely writing and preserving his small domain. Compared to Marlowe’s vibrant brushstrokes, Bluemel’s strength is subtly expressed through softer tones, yet they complement each other beautifully.
The bond between them is strong, yet at times, there seemed to be an excessive focus on humorous situations rather than intense emotions like passion or violence. As a result, some emotionally charged scenes appeared less impactful due to the frequent interjection of witty remarks.
The intermittent emptiness was further exacerbated due to the absence of musical accompaniment and intricate stage settings. Instead, the performance took place against a backdrop of bright stage lights, featuring only a few chairs and furniture reminiscent of the era, placed in the center. Although merging historical decor with contemporary minimalism could theoretically give the piece a timeless quality, the ambiance felt sparse and incompletely realized.
To fans of Tudor history, Shakespearean tales, or romantic conflicts, Born With Teeth should not fall short. It injects a vibrant burst of novelty into an era often perceived as dull and withered, serving as a reminder that Renaissance London was actually a perilous place to reside in.
Where can I see Ncuti Gatwa in Born With Teeth?
You’ll find the play “Born With Teeth” at Wyndham’s Theatre, nestled in the vibrant West End of London. The most convenient way to reach there is by taking either the Northern or Piccadilly subway lines and alighting at Leicester Square station.
How to get Born With Teeth tickets
Tickets are available on LOVE Theatre and London Theatre Direct starting from £27.
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2025-09-03 14:13