The much-anticipated play “Born With Teeth,” penned by Liz Duffy Adams, is preparing for its West End debut, showcasing the dynamic relationship between two of literature’s most iconic figures, Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Directed by Daniel Evans, the new production will star Ncuti Gatwa as Marlowe and Edward Bluemel as Shakespeare.
Since its premiere in Houston in 2022, “Born With Teeth” has captured audiences across the United States, with performances in Oregon, California, and Florida. The production moves the action to a fictional backroom of that same pub in London, circa 1591. It’s truly a paranoid and dangerous era for artists in England. Spies on every corner increase the New York City tension, but so does the simmering, genius underdog rivalry as the crafty upstarts compete for Thunder & Lightning glory.
“Born With Teeth” is an irreverent, wickedly funny look at the high-octane life these literary titans left behind. Their tale features three clandestine rendezvous between Marlowe and Shakespeare. Their deep-rooted rivalry inspires them to work together on a new play. This imaginative retelling sets the dynamic spark between the two playwrights on fully electric display. It highlights the societal expectations that shaped their lives as artists.
Daniel Evans returns to direct acclaimed works such as last season’s hit production of “American Buffalo”. Now, he’s poised to add a new chapter to this otherwise cautionary tale. His work on high-profile productions like The Crown makes him an excellent choice to study the complex power play of Marlowe and Shakespeare’s relationship.
Edward Bluemel expressed his excitement about the role, stating, “When I read Liz Duffy Adams’ script, I was instantly drawn into the high-stakes world of these two rival playwrights and the incredible, creative chemistry they share.” Indeed, this sentiment is the heart of what makes this play both so pleasurable and complex. It deftly mixes serious narrative with comedic elements while tackling the story of an artistic rivalry.
Ncuti Gatwa recently took to social media to express his excitement for the project, stressing its fresh take on the past. He remarked that “Born With Teeth” presents “like no version of Shakespeare and Marlowe that I’ve ever seen before.” He further praised Adams’ writing, calling it “exceptional,” and noted, “There’s a lot to get one’s teeth into.“
Christian Gill, a critic familiar with the play’s themes, described it as “one part fan fiction, one part examination of egos, and another part commentary on the destructive capabilities of societal expectations.” This playful, layered narrative structure is sure to give audiences a smart, multifaceted glimpse into two of theatre’s most famous literary luminaries.
“Born With Teeth” is getting ready for its West End premiere. Further excitement surrounds what this fresh new representation of the furthest-from-home Navy will mean to British audiences. Gatwa gives an exuberant performance as Marlowe and Bluemel provides a richly layered performance as Shakespeare. As a pair, they bring these legendary characters to life and explore these classic themes of competition and teamwork.
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