The Herbal Bed at the Theatre Royal Brighton Review
The Herbal Bed
Theatre Royal, Brighton
22-26 March 2016
Reviewed by Meresa Bergin
I must admit The Herbal Bed is not the type of play I would normally go to see but I am very pleased I did. It is based on William Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna who in 1613 was accused of adultery with her neighbour Rafe, this was a very serious crime at the time and would affect all those around her, including any children she had with her husband John, whom could be classed as illegitimate.
This is a simple tale of a young woman whom clearly loves and adores her husband, their daughter and lifestyle, yet also misses and craves passion, a wildness that her neighbour Rafe who is also suffering with the death of his children and marriage with his wife, provides. It shows us how far we will go to keep peace and hide the truth in order to not face it, Susanna’s husband John stands by his wife when she is accused something even in this day and age would be rare I feel.
The Herbal Bed is passionate, there is a rawness to it and deep love, the power and changes of it. There is a scene where Susanna and her lover make love in the garden of her home, this appeared to be a shocking moment but for me it was the small things that felt more real, the way they looked at each other, the way they were around each other that really struck me with awe.
All the actors were outstanding and had great chemistry but I adored Matt Whitechurch as Jake, the man who accused Susanna. He was very entertaining and amusing with a great way with words. I loved his scenes with Charlotte Wakefield as Hester and his stories of when he was young. The two leads were remarkable together and you could really feel, believe what they were saying and have a real sense of their suffering and want. The actress who played young Elizabeth was both adorable and very talented, the whole of the theatre appeared to love her scenes when she came on stage, what a wonderful talent for someone so young to hold people’s attention like that.
This play is beautiful and a must see, I don’t feel you need to be a Shakespeare fan nor know much about his writing or plays to be able to relate and see the magic of this play, it is so easy to relate to.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £11.90 to £36.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
The Herbal Bed is at the Theatre Royal in Brighton until 26 March 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7650.
Theatre Royal. New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1SD | 0844 871 7650
