Stage Beauty

Stage Beauty - ***

In the realm of historical rom-coms with a Shakespearean twinge, Richard Eyre's "Stage Beauty" ranks in between the very likeable "Shakespeare in Love" and the inconsistent "A Midsummer Night's Dream". The film follows Ned Kynaston and Maria (Billy Crudup, Claire Danes), two 17th century actors who are for most of the film at opposite ends of the career spectrum. In the beginning women are not aloud to act on stage, and so Kynaston is the most beloved performer of female parts in England at the time. His luck changes when King Charles' mistress convinces him to reverse the law so that only women are to play female parts. This is the perfect opportunity for Maria, who establishes herself as England's first actress. Their lives switch fortunes, as Kynaston is unable to adapt to playing men's roles and in fact refuses to do so. Now what elevates this film from mediocrity is pure charm. I was disappointed with some of the humour and realism in the story, but Claire Danes and Billy Crudup are perfectly likeable in their roles. They play off each other well, and in fact the scenes which they share are the best in the movie. This is just a really fun, harmless comedy that will make no impact neither fleeting nor lasting on the viewer, but will leave them thoroughly entertained. Thumbs up.