Troilus And Cressida – The Globe Theatre

Troilus and Cressida is a lesser-known play by Shakespeare influenced by Grecian context and features characters from Greek Mythology. It centres and draws on the Trojan war.” Inside the walls of Troy Prince Troilus, Kasper Hilton-Hille tells Pandarus he loves Cressida her niece”. In a sequence of match making events by Pandarus the deed was done made simple by the fact, that Cressida confessed she had secretly betrothed herself to Troilus. In act of bad luck Cressida’s father, Calchas a defector to the Greek camp has offered her to the Greeks in a twist that changes everything for the young lovers.

The heart of the story is centred around the two camps; the Greek and Trojan soldiers lying idle in their ways and flouncing their combat battle talk to wage war with each other. The Trojan prince Hector Oliver Alvin-Wilson has thrown down the gauntlet to invite any of the Greek army to fight him, but it’s Achilles he truly wants to meet in combat. This legendary warrior refuses to fight and is becoming alienated by his army. 

What makes this play very different is the authenticity of Shakespeare’s prose is not lost, only enhanced into modernity. References to Helen a woman of beauty and devouring irresistibility, is the one Helen of Troy like you have never seen her before. Emerging from the darkness stepping up to the microphone in a gold glittering bodice and heels singing the rather ‘tongue in cheek’ Love, Love, Love’ in plain English language, with audience participation of course. This is the iconic Shakespeare Globe theatre, so this was unexpected and cleverly unique. In true Shakespearean style there are dark plot twists and betrayals, and who knew the Trojans would bring contemporary societal glamour and sparkle to this party.     

What strikes you yet again is how Shakespeare showcases front and centre the strong ‘feminist’ Women who out rule the men in spirit, intelligence and desire. This adaptation of the play Troilus and Cressida is all about Witt, Wisdom and Power. Standout performances from Samantha Spiro, the comedic and convincing Pandarus, Lucy McCormick as Helen and Thersites plus the incredible Ulysses Jodie Mc Nee. Strength and power right here. This is a long play, and hearing some of the lines was difficult. However, in an open-air theatre against the elements, of rain and wind it was performed very well. It would be advisable to wrap up warm and take a raincoat. There are scenes of sexual acts, violence and laugh out loud moments.       

The costume design team created a modern style of clothing against a dark Greek mythology slovenly look in keeping with the portrayal of each camp. This worked with the set well, the neon light of Troy aloft the foot of battle. Audiences not familiar with this play will be pleasantly surprised and entertained. The title Troilus and Cressida, a little misleading as it seems the story should revolve around their romance and depth of relationship, but this is short livid. It is not Romeo and Juliett, but what it is, is an adaptation of the works of Shakespeare communicated to a young modern audience, with plenty of comedy, a smattering of tragedy and unexpected ‘show time’ pizzazz.

Director Owen Horsley

Associate Director Roberta Zuric 

Composer & Additional Lyrics Eamonn O’ Dwyer

This show commences at 7.30pm duration 3hrs including a 20-minute interval

Run 26th September – 26th October 2025 Part of their Summer Events  

Booking Link www.tickets@shakespearesglobe.com

Reviewer: Michelle Knight

Reviewed: 3^rd October 2025  

North West End UK Rating