Libertine, The

Aroview: Bustling rendition of the life of the debauched playwright John Wilmot, the Second Earl of Rochester, who filled his days and nights in inglorious abandonment to drink, lust and outrageous theatrical satires on the politics of 17th century 'Restoration' England.

Depicted by Johnny Depp with unpredictable detail and camp humour, this rather unlikeable character lurches from royal court to training his new protege (Morton) in the ways of stagecraft and back again. But if the rambling plotline fails to capitalise on (let alone explain) the fascinating enigma of Rochester, the sound and fury of the production has its own high-key pleasures to offer.

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