The Duchess of Malfi London Reviews and Tickets | Show Score

79%

(45 Ratings)

Positive

82%

Mixed

5%

Negative

13%

Members say

Absorbing, Great acting, Clever, Intense, Slow

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.

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Critic Reviews (9)

"a bracing revival that finds humour in the bloody chaos"
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"Rachel Bagshaw's staging of this dark tale is a genuine sensation"
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“Detailed, highly visual staging”
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"a dazzling lead performance, but this Jacobean torture-fest fails to chill"
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" ...an odd play structurally"
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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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"Mills' protagonist is the vivacious, truthful heart of this fascinating production"
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Trailer

Creative team

Shakespeare's Globe (UK)