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'If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there’s no truth in us.'
Doctor Faustus is Christopher Marlowe's most renowned and controversial work. Famous for being the first dramatised version of the Faustus tale, the play depicts the sinister aftermath of Faustus's decision to sell his soul to the Devil's henchman in exchange for power and knowledge. In the first-ever staging of this menacing drama at the Globe Theatre, Matthew Dunster's production features Paul Hilton as the arrogant, power-hungry Faustus and Arthur Darvill as the sardonic Mephistopheles, and includes several impressive magical stunts along the way.
Synopsis
Doctor Faustus, restless for knowledge, forsakes scholarship for magic and makes a pact with the Devil: if the evil spirit Mephistopheles will serve him for 24 years, Faustus will yield his soul to the Devil after death. It isn’t long before Faustus has doubts about the bargain, but Mephistopheles has plenty of entertainment at hand to distract Faustus from the terrifying reality of his position and the prospect of its agonising conclusion.
Running time: 148 mins
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Creative
Director:
Matthew DunsterDesigner :
Paul WillsComposer :
Jules MaxwellPuppet Director :
Steve TipladyChoreographer :
Georgina LambMagic Consultant :
Richard PinnerFight Director:
Kate WatersDirected for the screen:
Ian RussellCast
Bad Angel :
Charlotte BroomDuke, Frederick :
Michael CampLucifer, Pope Adrian :
Nigel CookeValdes, Pope Bruno, Carter :
Jonathan CullenMephistopheles :
Arthur DarvillRaymond, Old Man, Cornelius :
Robert GoodaleDr Faustus :
Paul HiltonHelen, Pride :
Sarita PiotrowskiBenvolio, Second Scholar:
Will ManneringRobin, Alexander :
Pearce QuigleyHostess, Lechery :
Iris RobertsWagner, Emperor Charles, Wrath :
Felix ScottBeelzebub, Martino :
Chinna WoduDick, First Scholar, Envy:
Richard ClewsDuchess, Sloth :
Jade WilliamsGood Angel:
Beatriz Romilly -
What you have to say
William Schmidt, Greater Detroit Area of Michigan William Schmidt, Greater Detroit Area of Michigan
"Dr Faustus" was a very entertaining performance, I would recommended it to those interested in Shakespeare's rivals and contemporaries. However the presentation lacked the deep sense of tragedy of a scholar choosing to damn his soul to become a trickster and conjurer. I was not sure if it was a farce, a comedy,or a melodrama, only the end suggested, somewhat, the tragic nature of Faustus' choices.
David Woodall David Woodall
Superb! Almost as good as when I saw it live the first time round!
Matt Saunders Matt Saunders
I've been a groundling at dozens of productions but far and away my favourite was Dr Faustus - I saw it four times and one time I was so surprised by one of those yak-demon-on-stilts-things appearing right behind me that I actually screamed out loud! Plus Arthur Darvill's Mephistopheles was incredible.
Anon Anon
Magnificent theatrical event - Dr Faustus @The_Globe with massive props, pyrotechnics, stilt walking and abundance of padded shoulders.
Anon Anon
Wonderful - genuinely scary ending. Puppets terrifying (then hilarious in the jig), both Paul Hilton and Arthur Darvill marvellous.
Anon Anon
Fantastic production.A balance of comedy, acrobatics, deep theological disputation and thought. Brilliantly directed, and I will try to see it again. Marlowe is not sugary at all; no sentiment. If only he had lived longer.
Anon Anon
Absolutely brilliant! I loved Mephistopheles' secret smile to himself when the deal's made without haggling, which he quickly hides as Faustus turns. When I read the text it all felt too easy, so I was so pleased to see it acknowledged.
Anon Anon
An amazing production, well thought out, well executed and with fantastic lead performances (Arthur Darvill & Paul Hilton).
Anon Anon
Saw this production about a week ago. Arthur Darvill and Paul Hilton were particularly good and there were some brilliant concepts. The play-off at the end with the guitars and dance was possibly my favourite moment of theatre I've ever seen!
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