West End's Born With Teeth Stars Ncuti Gatwa, Edward Bluemel in Shakespeare, Marlowe Drama

Born With Teeth is a vibrant two-hander play by Liz Duffy Adams that imagines an electrifying collaboration and rivalry between Christopher Marlowe, played by Ncuti Gatwa, and a young William Shakespeare, portrayed by Edward Bluemel. Set against the backdrop of a politically tense Elizabethan England rife with espionage and religious paranoia, the play explores themes of artistic ambition, sexual tension, and political intrigue during the creation of Shakespeare's Henry VI trilogy. Gatwa's portrayal of Marlowe is noted for its charismatic, rebellious energy and physicality, embodying the poet's notorious libertine lifestyle, while Bluemel’s Shakespeare is depicted as more reserved and conscientious, grappling with social conventions and creative aspirations. The production is marked by its modern, high-energy staging with striking lighting effects and contemporary costumes, which bring a raw, visceral intensity to the historical narrative. Critics have praised the dynamic chemistry and powerful performances of Gatwa and Bluemel, though some note that the play occasionally leans towards fan fiction and can feel stretched. Overall, the play offers a compelling fusion of historical speculation, theatricality, and charged interpersonal dynamics, making it a standout in current West End theatre.