Shakespeare in Love (2024)

Tom Stoppard and Lee Hall. Directed by Susie Penrice Tyrie.

Following the success of the Oscar-winning film, Lee Hall adapted the original screenplay into a script for the stage, capturing the essence of a young Shakespeare and the imagined story of his inspiration for Romeo and Juliet.

Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer’s block until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor. Both are despondent when they learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the stuffy Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family. Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing – Romeo and Juliet. With opening night – and the wedding day – fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion. Will it all work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy?

The Stage Club is Singapore’s oldest theatre company, founded in 1945 and brings together a wide array of community theatre supporters, staging plays throughout the year, such as Measure for Measure earlier in 2024. Now, Shakespeare in Love stars rising talents Jasmine Kuah as Viola de Lesseps and León Saint Claire as William Shakespeare. Directed by Susie Penrice Tyrie, this production promises to deliver a fresh take on Shakespeare that can be appreciated by both fans of his work, and those who are new to it.