Born With Teeth: the three versions
I've been watching the text of Liz Duffy Adams' Born With Teeth evolve as a director with an interest in mounting the show in Canada. I did not get to see the RSC production, but, that said, I read the original script before the RSC rehearsals began and was fascinated to see some of the changes emerge from that collaboration. In particular, Will's final speech shifts and, with it, the tenor of the relationship between him and Kit —
Reading the original version made me gasp out loud. I didn't see it coming, and I could see a variety of ways that callous ending could be played. Honestly, it thrilled me and was part of the ongoing interest.
When the RSC production's version of the script came out, I ordered the Nick Hearn books version from England rather than wait for a Canadian edition because a hyperfixation is a hyperfixation, lol.
There was an interesting disclaimer at the beginning of the text, though:
This — and reading people's discussions of the previews and the shows — had me intrigued as to how things switched up. Between the text of this version —
— and, again, the fan reviews, I got an impression of a much softer, more romantic take on the dynamic. Honestly, I was a little disappointed. It felt like the 'teeth' had been pulled.
Also, I had noticed that for this major production in England by the Royal Shakespeare Company, some of the language around Queen Elizabeth I was considerably softened.
Compare Will's exposition speech in scene one from the original script vs the RSC version —
I was left wondering which version would be available for licensing, and was honestly pleased when Adams announced another revision on January 3rd, 2026.
This version splits the difference beautifully, I think, and restores some of the ambiguity really well—
—and brings back the "the man who wrote Iago" reference that makes me feral. Your mileage may vary, but I'm very pleased with this version.
