About the Show

Rachel Bagshaw directs this revival of John Webster’s Jacobean revenge tragedy.

The Duchess is a young widow who defies her brothers' wishes by secretly marrying her steward, Antonio. The Duchess's brothers, Ferdinand, and the Cardinal are driven by their own desires and are consumed by jealousy. After they hire spies, they discover the Duchess' secret, leading to a series of tragic events...

Award-winning Director Rachel Bagshaw makes her Globe directorial debut with this anniversary production of John Webster’s tale of misogyny and deceit.

Critic Reviews (9)

"Rachel Bagshaw's staging of this dark tale is a genuine sensation"
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"a bracing revival that finds humour in the bloody chaos"
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"a dazzling lead performance, but this Jacobean torture-fest fails to chill"
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“Detailed, highly visual staging”
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"Mills' protagonist is the vivacious, truthful heart of this fascinating production"
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"unexpectedly funny, moving and...plunged into literal as well as existential darkness."
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"Mills’ delicacy and grace illuminate its dark corners, and add memorable lustre"
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" ...an odd play structurally"
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Cast and creative team

Shakespeare's Globe (UK)