Bedlam, Shakespeare's Globe

Nell Leyshon's historical caper, set in the infamous asylum, lacks dramatic substance

by Fisun GunerFriday, 10 September 2010

Country girl May (Rose Leslie) is feasted upon by blood-sucking leeches in 18th-century BedlamKeith Pattison

Nell Leyshon’s new play takes place in a mental asylum closely based on London’s notorious Bethlem Hospital. Set in the 18th century, it is a bizarre fusion of farce, drama and drinking songs. Bethlem, of course, gave its name to the term “bedlam”, and bedlam certainly ensues in this rather chaotic and unfocused work.

Do we really care what happens to any of these sad, incarcerated creatures?

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