Review by Russell Blackaller

The Alchemist

Royal Shakespeare Company

Swan Theatre

Stratford upon Avon 

BEN Jonson was a contemporary of Shakespeare.

His most well- known play is The Alchemist, a farcical comedy, written and set in London in 1610.

When London is hit by an outbreak of the plague, the wealthy Lovewit flees to the country, leaving his townhouse in the hands of his ‘trusted’ butler, Jeremy.

But Jeremy turns the house into a den of criminal activity. He joins with a fellow conman, who poses as an alchemist and a woman called Dol Common.

Between them they trick various gullible ‘customers’ to whom they have promised wealth and success through alchemy, astrology and any other means necessary.

Polly Findlay’s production has some experimental aspects, including music with modern references and an unexpected ending (which I won’t spoil for you), but the overall approach is surprisingly traditional, with authentic costumes and a simple, uncluttered set.

The emphasis is on character and bringing out Jonson’s rich and often crude language. This allows us to travel back in time and feel Johnson’s London.

Ken Nwosu’s fast paced performance is suitably cheeky and bullish as the driving force (Jeremy), but his accomplice Subtle (played by Mark Lockyer) gives as good as he gets.

Dol Common (played by Siobhan McSweeney) is supposed to be a prostitute, but here this is played down and she is played as shrewd and sharp.

The creation of this strong trio sets up the comedy, as the array of hilarious, unsuspecting characters, come through the doors.

Despite being cut down by 20 percent the script is still very wordy and I would recommend that a study of the synopsis would enhance your enjoyment.

7 out of 10

  • The Alchemist runs in Stratford until August 6 2016
  • Box Office 0844 800 1110