Cymbeline is a fictionalised Celtic king, very (very) loosely based on Cunobeline who was king of the Britons between 10-42AD. The play is not really much about him however. It is more about deceit and nasty black deeds, treachery most horrid and poison ☠️.

I went to see this at Stratford Upon Avon last year and really enjoyed the first 2/3rds of the play. But, I admit it did drag quite a bit towards the end. Rereading it now, that impression remains. It sort of ‘loses its identity’ to use a shipping forecast term.

And the bringing together of ALL the loose ends is a bit bonkers. I am not sure about this one, I don’t love it. It does have a line I love though…
‘Boldness be my friend: arm me audacity from head to foot’.
Onwards to The Winters Tale..