measure for measure | responses

"Go see this play, Measure for Measure is considered one of the problem plays, and it is problematic. It’s uncomfortable, nuanced, and it refuses to offer simple morality. Those elements can either be the thing that makes the play brilliant, or a muddled mess. The production by Honest Fishmongers is on the side of brilliance." | Alexandra, The Play's the Thing

"Having studied the play at University of Winnipeg and seen productions of it before I loved Shakespeare all over again. Thanks for a lovely night of classical theatre done well. The Honest Fishmongers are a delight." | William Hay, Blog

"There is such talent and clarity of story in the Honest Fishmongers production of Measure for Measure it is never a ‘problem’. ... This cast is tremendous. And even as I wished for a little more lechery early-on from Simon Webb as Angelo, his contrition in the end is immensely heartfelt and redeeming moment of the play. Peter Anderson makes much of his Lucio and Julie McIsaac embraces the contradictions of her Isabella with skill. Michael Fera is a study in contrasts with a delightfully buffoonish Elbow and a tempered and reasonable Provost." | Mark Robins, GayVancouver.Net

"Well done, to the players of The Honest Fishmongers and Pacific Theatre for presenting another twist on a classic favourite." | Erin Jane, Review Vancouver

"Under Bennett’s direction all of the acting is admirable. Michael Fera impresses as both the compassionate prison Provost and the ridiculous constable, Elbow. Alison Kelly brings rock-solid authority to Escalus, the court advisor; Jeff Gladstone is moving as Claudio; and Katharine Venour brings touching depth to Mariana, a woman who is haplessly in love with Angelo." | Colin Thomas, The Georgia Straight

"The superb casting gives the audience fantastic guides through this story. While all players were faultless in bringing their characters to life, Peter Anderson’s perfect comedic timing as Lucio was particularly brilliant, and most helpful in striking the balance between the dark and light elements. … Though perhaps difficult to imagine, I attended a play about serious moral questions and had fun while doing it. I hope that you will imagine no further, and, instead, visit this dazzling production yourself." Robin Lawrence, The MB Herald

"If anyone can make power-mad, dissolute Angelo look repentant at the end of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, it’s Simon Webb. Woebegone, eyes averted, he speaks the lines, “Immediate sentence then, and sequent death/Is all the grace I beg” with such sincerity, Webb does tug a little on the heartstrings." | Jo Ledingham, The Vancouver Courier

"To reflect the murky subterranean currents of psychology and plot, director Bennett and designers Shizuka Kai and Graham Ockley have lit Pacific Theatre’s basement like a cave, marking each corner of the stage with a dozen small candles. Whenever an actor claps twice, the full lights go off, leaving only the candles to light the play. Each actor also holds a candle near his or her face. The visual effect is a handsome chiaroscuro, like a Michelangelo painting." | Jerry Wasserman, The Province

"This production is well worth checking out. Chances are you won’t experience the Bard in an atmosphere more intimate and collegial than this. Kevin Bennett and The Honest Fishmongers deliver a fine product and show great promise for the future." | Tony Grant, Vancouver Vantage