Liv: Sapphic Shakespeare | Hen and Chickens Theatre

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a play with many queer undertones, not least the central facet of its plot, in which Viola disguises herself as a man, Cesario, and so disguised accidentally becomes the object of the Lady Olivia’s affections while trying to woo her for her master. 

In LIV: Sapphic Shakespeare, Headache Creative Productions have taken this one step further, focusing solely on the interactions between Liv (Beth Birss) and Rio/Vi (Tanieth Kerr), and asking us to consider what would happen if their falling in love were more than a comic misunderstanding.

As part of a touring run across various UK fringe festivals, LIV: Sapphic Shakespeare appeared for three nights at the Hen and Chickens Theatre, directed by Katy Livsey. In the black box space, limited set elements are introduced, a tombstone to indicate the action takes place in a graveyard and a radio used to bring elements of the modern and the outside world into the production.

The strength of the play undoubtedly lies in Tanieth Kerr’s script, effortlessly melding Shakespeare’s original words with her own poetic verse. As well as tracking the blossoming relationship between Liv and Rio/Vi, the play delves deeply into themes of grief, with the two characters exploring their similar experiences with the loss of a beloved brother. 

Kerr and Birss have good chemistry, making the emerging love story believable, but the play does sometimes suffer from a lack of action, both in terms of movement and in dramatic moments. The piped-in sound, while allowing the audience to understand the context of the graveyard scenes, also does not necessarily add to the audience experience. 

A heartfelt piece which could benefit from more dynamism, LIV: Sapphic Shakespeare offers a fresh look at a well-loved Shakespeare play.

LIV: Sapphic Shakespeare was reviewed at the Hen and Chickens Theatre, but next appears as part of Guildford Fringe Festival on 16th September.

Tickets and More Information

★★★☆☆ (3*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review |