Measure for Measure
Shakespeare’s plays have been adapted to fit many different eras and historical situations, but none have appeared to be more relevant in today’s societal climate than The RSC’s current production of Measure For Measure.
When Isabelle’s brother, Claudio, disregards the state’s strict morality laws, and gets a young girl, Juliet, pregnant out of wedlock, Isabella, who is soon to become a Nun, is sent to plead for his life. Angelo, who is currently in place to govern the city, refuses her request, that is unless she sleeps with him.
Unfortunately for Angelo, the Duke of Vienna, who has gone in to hiding and left Angelo in charge in his place, is disguised as a Friar and has overheard Isabella’s plight, whilst in the prison visiting her brother. He intervenes and hatches a plan for Mariana (Angelo’s former Fiancée) to go to Angelo in Isabella’s place, tricking him into an increasingly hypocritical situation and saving Isabella’s honour.
As the trick is completed, they await news of Claudio’s pardon, but Angelo instead sends instruction that Claudio be executed immediately, and the Duke is again forced to take control of the situation ending in public humiliation for Angelo.
Shakespeare’s age-old script may have been written with vastly different intention to its receivership today, but nevertheless its strong themes of abuse of power reverberate throughout.
Some of the scenes may be triggering for many people (and let us be honest, we are talking about the majority of those being female). The piece starts with video footage of real-life news pieces, Bill Clinton and the Monica Lewinsky scandal, Prince Andrew, Donald Trump, Harvey Weinstein and who could forget the Matt Hancock Covid-19 debacle. It sets the tone, nothing should come as a surprise to us, yet the attitudes of humans still do.
Isis Hainsworth plays Isabella, her performance is far from simple, but it is quite simply an outstanding performance. She captures the turmoil of her character and the frustrations at fighting against a society and a situation which is so unjust it takes all of her fight.
Our villain, Angelo, is played by Tom Mothersdale who captures the abuse of power with a frustratingly hateful ease and as we increasingly grow to hate his actions, he naturally builds the boundaries that Isabella must navigate.
Adam James as Duke Vincentio keeps us on our toes. As the audience want to shout at him to just put an end to all of this, we must trust in his actions and ride it out alongside Isabella and Claudio and all that surround them.
Douggie McMeekin as Claudio’s friend Lucio provides some lighter comical moments, although he probably just really needs to learn to keep his mouth shut, and again is another example of a male figure abusing his power over a female he feels is below him and has served her purpose.
Frankie Bradshaw’s set design works well in a practical sense and serves its purpose within the story not to detract the attention that this important moral tale demands.
It is indeed a frightening fact that peoples abuse of power, although now more recognised when discovered, still runs deep within the structure of our society and the words “no-one will ever believe you” echo still too often in today’s world.
This show was reviewed on the 23rd September 2025 at The RSC, Stratford upon Avon where it runs until the 25th October 2025. Tickets available here: Measure for Measure | Royal Shakespeare Company
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Photo credit: Helen Murray
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