A bold, new retelling of Shakespeare’s greatest thriller, Julius Caesar.
Tangle was founded in 2009 and champions African and Caribbean artistic excellence through new work and reinterpretations of classic texts. Tangle’s fast-moving production brilliantly examines the political power struggles and friendship betrayals at the heart of Shakespeare’s play.
This opening night of their ten date UK tour received a deserved standing ovation. Hail Caesar!
Tangle present the story with a cast of five instead of the forty parts in Shakespeare’s original. This means we get right to the heart of the story very quickly. Although written in 1599 and the first play performed at the Globe Theatre, Julius Caesar has an obvious connection to some modern political leaders and wannabee dictators.
Adapted and directed by Anna Coombs with John Pfumojena’s original music performed live on stage, this high-energy production brings African-inspired storytelling into the heart of ancient Rome.
Anna Coombs said: “I have always loved this play. The tension between politics and friendship is electrifying. It is an adaptation that remains truthful to Shakespeare’s original language whilst streamlining its pace and cast size.”
The plot is straightforward. Julius Caesar has become a tyrant. Cassius and Brutus conspire to kill Caesar who is warned by the Soothsayer. Despite this Caesar is killed in full public view on the Ides of March.
The conspirators think they have heralded a new political age. Instead, chaos erupts, and civil war begins. Who will seize power? Will the new ruler also fall to corruption?
Caesar is a complex character and there are moments when the audience also sees glimpses of his innermost anxieties and doubts.
This production references storms, and the elements, they are an important visual theme for the show.
The characters in the play neglect the omens and signs that are offered to them: storms, lightning, and supernatural happenings and this has tragic consequences.
Anna Coombs says, “For me, this is a good reflection on how we, in 2025, are ignoring the threat and long-term consequences of global climate change.”
At times in the first half the dialogue was sometimes hurried. The call and response audience participation which starts during the interval and continues into the second half was remarkably effective and created a bond between the excellent cast and the audience.
“This was the noblest Roman of them all” is a powerful line spoken by Mark Anthony of Marcus Brutus. This explains that Brutus did not act out of envy or self-interest but believed he was acting honourably for the greater good and to save Rome.
To paraphrase Shakespeare: “Friends, Sotonians, countrymen, lend me your ears – you will enjoy this show.
Tickets for Julius Caesar (9 – 11 October 2025) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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