★★★½
The lyrical genius of Shakespeare collides with the razor‑edged storytelling of Quentin Tarantino in The Ghostlight League’s return to William Shakespeare’s Reservoir Dogs.
Written by Sydney Shakespeare Company Artistic Director Steven Hopley and directed by The Ghostlight League Artistic Director Rob Lloyd, the production delivers exactly what its title promises: a bold re‑imagining of what might have unfolded had Shakespeare penned Reservoir Dogs first. Presented in association with Theatre Works, the result is an ambitious hybrid: part Elizabethan drama, part cult‑classic crime thriller.
The production marks the final (tragic) instalment of The Ghostlight League’s Shakespeare pop-culture trilogy, following the history play Shakespeare Aliens and the comedy Shakespeare Ghostbusters.
The ensemble cast of seven are assured, capable, and impressively sharp. I will always tip my hat to an actor’s ability to deftly interpret Shakespearean language, and every performer here demonstrates a clear command of that demanding craft. They navigate heightened text with clarity, emotion, and intention, ensuring the audience remains anchored.
A particular commendation goes to Elysia Janssen for her portrayal of Sir Orange. Janssen delivers full‑throttle energy from start to finish, showcasing a dynamic range that sweeps confidently across the emotional spectrum. Her performance is a standout; it is fearless, playful, and deeply attuned to the tonal shifts of the piece.
The iconic Theatre Works space in St Kilda provides a visually striking backdrop for this production. Production designer Cassandra Hart’s set, an arrangement of wooden pallets, ropes, and barrels, is simple yet effective, offering an easy step into a Shakespearean world while nodding to the gritty warehouse aesthetic of Tarantino’s film.
Acoustically, however, the venue’s cavernous architecture occasionally worked against the performers. Some lines were swallowed by the space, making the storyline difficult to follow unless you’re already a Reservoir Dogs devotee.
The four‑piece band led by Musical Director Chloe Towan are an interesting and necessary inclusion, given the imperative role music plays in Tarantino’s films. The famous songs of the film are given a Shakespearean twist, offering a welcome anchor point for the audience throughout the show.
I’d also like to acknowledge the band’s resilience. Performing one musician down is no small feat, and while moments of uncertainty surfaced, their commitment to pushing through was genuinely impressive.
Despite any imperfections, William Shakespeare’s Reservoir Dogs offers a spirited night of theatre driven by creativity, commitment, and a clear love of both Shakespeare and Tarantino.
It’s an ambitious, playful experiment that celebrates the joy of re‑imagining familiar stories in unexpected ways. It’s well worth attending if you’re keen to see a group of strong Shakespearean performers sink their teeth into something delightfully unconventional.
William Shakespeare’s Reservoir Dogs is presented by The Ghostlight League and Theatre Works and runs in Melbourne to 15 August 2026. Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street St Kilda Vic 3184.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2026/william-shakespeares-reservoir-dogs
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/theghostlightleague/
Photo credits: Tom Noble
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