'Titus Andronicus' is not among my favourites of Shakespeare's plays, a playwright of whose lesser plays are still worth the watch and read. Of his tragedies though it is in my opinion one of his most disturbing and moving. It is very powerful when performed well, Shakespeare's dialogue is unmistakable in style and rich in emotion and the characters are typically compelling. If asked as to whether 'Titus Andronicus' is worth the watch or read or both, the answer would be yes.
In 1978 to 1985 the BBC did a series of Shakespeare performances, performing all of his plays, even the lesser known and problematic ones. The quality was uneven, as has been said more than once, but the series overall is just fascinating and most of the productions are well done or more and feature solid and more performances from very talented actors, varying from deservedly lauded to the under-exposed. This 'Titus Andronicus' is the last of the series and to me it's one of the best, doing full justice to the play. Saw the 1999 film version some years ago and loved that version too in its own way.
Did feel that Anna Calder-Marshall and Paul Davies Prowles were slightly bland in their roles, but part of it is down to that neither role is particularly meaty to put it lightly.
All the rest of the characters are never less than excellently performed. Thought the standouts to be Trevor Peacock's noble Titus and Hugh Quarshie's slimy, shrewd and sometimes witty Aaron. Edward Hardwicke is an authoritative Marcus with the right amount of subtlety and forceful, while Brian Protheroe is suitably sinister if not always nuanced. Eileen Atkins is regally poised as Tamora.
While not the most lavish or elaborate in terms of production values, 'Titus Andronicus' is not dreary or cheap either.
Excepting a slightly jarring opening, the staging is compelling. Very poignant and disturbing, it doesn't quite have the pulls-no-punches feel of the film version. It is still uncompromising and doesn't tone down anything.
Overall, really great. 9/10
