RSC Titus Andronicus at Swan Theatre - Review

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Thu 17 Apr 2025 - Sat 07 Jun 2025

Titus Andonicus already has a reputation as Shakespeare's bloodiest drama, but I'm braced for gruesomeness extraordinaire when I see the front rows offered blankets to protect their clothing.

Expectations are high with a celebrated team behind this new Titus by The Royal Shakespeare Company(RSC) at Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon until June 7.

In the title role, there's the man lauded by many as Britain's finest stage actor - the Olivier, Tony and BAFTA Award-winning Simon Russell Beale. Directing him is another award-winner Max Webster with successes to his name from recent The Importance of Being Earnest at The National Theatre and an acclaimed Macbeth starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo.

Webster is known for bringing a fresh take to age-old plays and this is no different. There's a stark modern set with a bare stage overshadowed by a menacing electric pulley, which will bring on alarming additions from time to time. The sound of it whirring into action will end up sending a shiver down your spine. 'What next?' you'll wonder in horror. That's before other macabre delights like Titus grabbing a chainsaw and Lavinia's abused body pulled on stage in a plastic sheet.

Even eerier is the singing choirboy - Titus' grandson, young Lucius. His innocent voice and appearance contrast sharply with the violence and betrayals around him. Immaculately dressed in school uniform with white socks pulled up to his knees, he amazingly manages to remain unstained from the bloodshed. I saw impressive young George Gilchrist, but three talented young child actors share the role during its run.



Most others are in sharp suits or heavy stylish overcoats including Titus' now sister Marcia(instead of Marcus) played by TV and theatre stalwart Emma Fielding, a familiar face from ITV's Van Der Valk and Sanditon.

There's some good characterisations. Joshua James plays Saturninus the new Emperor as a sneering out-of-his depth prig and impressive Natey Jones, pictured above, is attention-grabbing as Aaron the Moor, overflowing with anger and hate for the Romans; understandably so for someone abused over his colour by them all his life.

Goth queen Tamora, a beguiling Wendy Kweh pictured below holding a knife to the throat of Letty Thomas' Lavinia, has an erotic edge but comes across as a steely 'Tiger mummy'. She's tough rather than emotional with her sons Chiron and Demetrius. Her fascinating reaction to finding out her sons are cooked in a pie is to eat more of it, shoving her mouth full in defiance to Titus. A new interesting take I've not seen before.



Interestingly her sons come across as spoiled teenagers, led astray by Aaron rather than particularly evil on their own account. Thankfully, the worst of their crimes to Titus' daughter Lavinia is done off stage. I liked Webster's approach to the violence as although there's plenty of blood, the actual killings were either portrayed through flashing lights or off stage.

The imagery and sounds alone were strong enough to portray the barbery without physical contact. It made the exhaustive amount of butchery more watchable.

Although the blood grabs the headlines, as expected, it's Beale's performance that stands out. He is wonderfully understated and so natural on stage, pausing pensively and chewing over Shakespeare's words like they were his own. His scenes with Fielding are like a masterclass in acting, both of them a safe pair of hands with decades of experience between them.

Beale, pictured below centre with Fielding, has the audience eating out of his hand, especially when he wheels out his homemade pie for the dinner party scene, adding comedy to this horrific moment.



Despite that, this famous pie scene was more subdued than I've seen before and felt too fleeting considering it's the climax of the play. Sprinklers and hoses spray out blood and water amid flashing lights to portray the extent of violence, but it feels less emotional than the other deaths in the production.

That said, this is a grim yet mesmerising Titus. It's final dramatic scene involving child Young Lucius is truly chilling and the stuff seen in horror films. A wonderful impactful way to close the performance.

This new Titus Andronicus is a memorable, chilling and powerful production that resonates. A sublime Russell Beale reigns supreme as Titus. Even if for the chance to see one of Britain's finest actors at his best, grab a ticket while you can before it closes on June 7.

RATING: 4 out of 5 stars


Running time 2hrs and 44 minutes including a 20 min interval
This play contains graphic content that may not be suitable for children.

See the RSC website here for tickets and content advisory information for Titus Andronicus at RSC Swan Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon. Prices range from £5 to £87.50.

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