The Highwayman – Shakespeare North Playhouse

With more swagger than Ronaldo, Mick Jagger, and the cast of Made in Chelsea combined, this lively John Godber production gallops onto stage to introduce us to the most infamous scoundrel you’ve never actually heard of.

Meet John Swift, a young man who decides to combine his skills as a butcher and infantryman in the French army to attempt to take Dick Turpin’s crown, robbing a living from the rich who pass through his town. But as he starts to waver in his choice of a life of crime, can he find a way of making an honest wage and afford his darling wife, Molly May the lifestyle she desires?

Under Godber’s nimble direction, the show manages to keep one foot in the 18th century and the other firmly in his trademark Yorkshire grit and humour. It’s part restoration love story, part farcical history lesson, with the lyrical dialogue that is a hallmark of Godber’s writing.

Emilio Encinoso-Gil is our Highwayman, Swift, giving a hugely likeable peformance particularly as he finds his feet in his new profession – think Errol Flynn with a massive  hangover and more swearing. He has good chemistry with Matheea Ellerby as his long-suffering wife Molly-May.

They are joined by two excellent multi-role actors, Dylan Allcock and Jo Patmore, who show great versatility in voice and physicality, in all the characters they bring to life and in the delivery of charming original songs by Ruby Macintosh.  

All make good use of the in-the-round design with effective, light touch furniture, props and lighting from Graham Kirk. Movement is slick and ensures all parts of the audience are able to engage with the performance, although there is a lot of moving stage blocks around, which doesn’t always seem to have a purpose.

Nevertheless, the cast clearly relishes Godber’s wordplay and knowing winks to the audience, and the whole show moves at a clip faster than a tavern gossip. There are moments of pathos too, particularly in the conversations between husband and wife, but don’t worry—just when it’s about to get too earnest, there’s always some levity to be found, such as the irritatingly persistent songwriter determined to sell his music to condemned prisoners awaiting the hangman.

Whether you’re a fan of period drama, tales of underdogs, or just the sight of Swift trying to dodge the affections of a lascivious pirate queen, The Highwayman is definitely worth your money (maybe not your life).  

For more shows at Shakespeare North Playhouse visit www.shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/whats-on/

Reviewer: Lou Steggals

Reviewed: 25th June 2025

North West End UK Rating: