Measure for Measure Globe Theatre, London SE1; until 24 September
Already this summer we've had Simon McBurney's mesmerising modern-dress Measure for Measure at the National, and now a second version of Shakespeare's thorny 'problem' play opens at the Globe.
Set traditionally in Renaissance Vienna, the tone is altogether lighter. We're in a world of sycophantic courtiers, bawds and pantomime dames (a wonderful cross-dressing Mistress Overdone teeters around on red platform wedges). It may lack McBurney's searing political approach, but it is often very funny.
Director John Dove doesn't miss a trick in exploring the comic potential of sexual hypocrisy. No sooner has the puritanical deputy, Angelo, begun a campaign against lechery than he is propositioning a nun, while the nun is quite happy for another woman to be deflowered in her place.
Dissembling and substitution are everywhere, leading to the incongruous 'bed swap'. But, satisfyingly, there is a serious note - rigidly imposing chastity on people always fails.
There are weaknesses: playing the Duke as a bumbling bachelor, Mark Rylance occasionally looks miscast, while Sophie Thompson's schoolmarmish Isabella is unlikely to arouse anyone's dirty thoughts. But as Angelo, Liam Brennan is a new star. Aroused and bewildered, he addresses the audience in a Renaissance parody of stand-up. We may be appalled, but we can't help but laugh with him.
