Born With Teeth is a fresh play that examines the relationship between Kit Marlowe and Will Shakespeare and their process of co-writing Henry VI Parts 1-3, where Kit is at his prime and Will is beginning to get a name for himself. Tucked away in a room we examine the politics of the time, the sexual chemistry between them sizzling and Kit’s premature death unravelling before the audiences eyes.

The play by Liz Duffy Adams is brilliant at capturing the audiences attention, moments are shocking, none more so than the first few minutes of the play, violence bursts out of debate but equally she paces this shock with intellectual dialogue and conversation so that the audience never becomes immune to shock. The politics of the time has a huge impact on their relationship and the undertones of this are often as intriguing as the politics they spell out throughout the play.

The language used is utterly convincing as coming out of the mouths of both Kit and Will without being afraid to ensure that it can be understood by all and welcome liberties are taken on this regard. As they spar with words more than actions it is easy to see them as the literacy greats that they were. The highlights were the more intimate moments, where the writers let their guard down momentarily however the pattern of sparring, from intimacy and eroticism to violence and quarrels becomes repetitive eventually and the audience come to expect it and zone out on occasion.

The show is set for the most part in a writing room, surrounded by lights on 3 sides and a table that takes centre stage. Designed by Joanna Scotcher, this is an effective method which serves the play well, literally shining a light of the 2 men and their actions. The costume design also by Scotcher also assists the text, with the men’s status being subtly shown by their attire and how this develops as Will’s star rises.

The casting of Ncuti Gatwa as Kit and Edward Bluemel as Will is exceptional. Gatwa is utterly brilliant and mesmerising as Kit, he oozes confidence and charisma. His physicality doing just as much talking as he leaps from the table or deftly slides towards Will in his game of seduction. Bluemel portrayal of Will is also a star turn, as Will’s notoriety grows so does the characters confidence, from a naïve aspiring writing to a politically astute , well regarded playwright and Bluemel portrays this magnificently. A more introverted character, his stillness plays well against Gatwa’s energy.

Born With Teeth is an intriguing concept which despite a repetitive pattern of debate forming, still provides an engaging piece of theatre. Combined with the top class delivery by Gatwa and Bluemel Born With Teeth still sizzles in the right places.

Born With Teeth is currently playing at the Wyndhams Theatre until 1st November. You can find out more and book tickets here.

If you like this review you might also like my review of The Play That Goes Wrong, The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return and Witness for the Prosecution.