Trevor Nunn’s Volpone reviewed: Henry Goodman bewitches the audience by doing nothing wittily

Volpone

Swan Theatre, Stratford, in rep until 12 September

Orson’s Shadow

Southwark Playhouse, until 25 July

Easy playwright to get on with, Ben Jonson. His world is simple, his tastes endearing. He likes golden-hearted swindlers and unscrupulous servants who outwit their bungling masters. Volpone, the ‘sly fox’ played by Henry Goodman, is a rich Venice merchant without a family who persuades three wealthy rivals that they stand a chance of inheriting his estate.

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TaggedAustin Pendleton, Ben Jonson, Edward Bennett, Gina Bellman, Henry Goodman, Julian Hoult, Kenneth tynan, Laurence Olivier, Orson WellesWelles, Orson’s Shadow, RSC, Southwark Playhouse, Stephen Brimson Lewis, Swan Theatre, Trevor Nunn, Vivien Leigh, Volpone

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Trevor Nunn’s Volpone reviewed: Henry Goodman bewitches the audience by doing nothing wittily

Plus: Orson Welles and Laurence Olivier square up to each other at Southwark Playhouse in a play that is almost a triumph

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