Troilus and Cressida at Shakespeare’s Globe
Though Shakespeare’s plays are a mainstay of culture – from school curricula to theatre programmes to countless adaptations and revivals – the lesser-loved Troilus and Cressida doesn’t enjoy quite the same fame. This acerbic, bitter play defies categorisation, but in this latest run at the Globe, director Owen Horsley and his talented cast offer an intriguing take on the source material.
Shakespeare’s satirical retelling of the legend of the Trojan war sees classical heroes reimagined as brutes, thugs and has-beens. The romance between Cressida and Troilus, a beleaguered Trojan soldier, takes place against the backdrop of the seemingly unending conflict. The city of Troy is standing firm against the Greek invaders – though the cold and analytical Ulysses believes this is not due to the Trojans’ strength but rather the Greeks’ lack of morale. Beloved hero Achilles has gone to seed, easily injured and shy of the fight. Troilus and Cressida’s budding love is stopped in its tracks by the ongoing conflict and sordid deals made by sleazy soldiers in pursuit of glory.
There are many themes in Troilus and Cressida that might resonate with a modern audience, such as the folly of hero-worship or the falseness of any victory achieved through war. Horsley does a wonderful job pulling out these themes in an entertaining and engaging way. The dominant Trojans are depicted as preening jocks, complete with bright tracksuits (from costume supervisor Laura Rushton). The “mortal Venus” Helen of Troy becomes a vaudevillian showgirl, singing Cabaret-style with a chorus of dancers. It’s a clever and fresh take on the source material that’s appealing and also very funny.
Troilus and Cressida (and indeed the story of the Trojan war) is not one that really favours the female characters, and yet amongst an already strong cast, it’s the women who stand out here (some in gender-swapped roles). Jodie McNee delivers a particularly keen and nimble wit as the sly Ulysses, and Lucy McCormick is completely captivating in a truly full-bodied performance as both Helen and bitter narrator Thersites.
Despite the entertainment factor, it’s worth noting that the story of Troilus and Cressida is at times quite hard to parse, especially for those unfamiliar with the source mythology. It can be tricky to keep track of who’s on whose side (though a handy diagram in the programme offers some relief). Shakespeare’s focus on the heroes’ impurities and imperfections sometimes manifests as character turns and shifts in allegiance that are downright confusing.
Fortunately, though, under Horsley’s direction, the humour and the energy are high throughout, carrying us through the tougher sections. Overall, Troilus and Cressida is an intriguing adaptation that offers something refreshingly different to the Shakespeare fare we’ve seen before.
Maggie O Shea
Photos: Helen Murray
Troilus and Cressida is at Shakespeare’s Globe from 26th September until 26th October 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch the trailer for Troilus and Cressida at Shakespeare’s Globe here:
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