When you get two brilliant actors on stage, magic happens and Born With Teeth is exactly that kind of show. The chemistry is undeniable, and it doesn’t hurt that Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel already know each other from Sex Education. That natural familiarity just flows on stage, making the tension and banter between their characters sparkle.
I loved that Ncuti could lean into his own Scottish accent it gave his Marlow a grounded, natural feel. Both actors gave unbelievable performances, bringing a sharp, witty script to life in a way that felt fresh and exciting.
What struck me most was the blend of historical accuracy and imaginative speculation. Christopher Marlowe is such a mysterious figure we know so little about him so there’s space for creative interpretation, and this play takes full advantage of that. I really enjoyed the hints that Marlowe and Shakespeare could have been friends, rivals, or maybe even lovers. Given that London had five theatres at the time and Marlowe was suspected of being a spy, it’s not far-fetched. Add to that the theory that Marlowe may have helped Shakespeare with some of his early plays, and the story feels both historically rooted and dramatically daring.
It’s such a shame Marlowe died so young, but I loved how the play suggests Shakespeare kept him alive through his work – “I put Marlowe in my characters to keep his spirit alive.” That line really stuck with me.
The script itself is clever, weaving old and modern language seamlessly. Shakespeare doubling as both narrator and character added another layer of brilliance. And the direction? Minimal props, just two actors in perfect sync, structured in three acts that mirror the play they’re writing within the story. That symmetry was smart and satisfying.
A lot of credit has to go to Daniel Evans, the director. His staging of this West End production keeps things intimate but electric. He shapes every moment so that tension, humour, passion, and conflict all feel immediate and often dangerously so.
And then there’s Liz Duffy Adams, the playwright. She’s created something original, brilliant, and sexy weaving together history, speculation, rhythm, and emotional intensity in a way that feels both intellectual and alive. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on everything she does next.
Born With Teeth doesn’t just reimagine history it makes it feel alive. A must-see.
The show’s final performance in the West End is 1st November 2025 at Wyndham’s Theatre.