![]() ![]() ![]() Once or twice the poetic (though not the dramatic) genius of Shakespeare is allowed to shine through, creating a poignant contrast that only enhances our enjoyment of the zaniness. Under the skilful direction of Madeleine Withington, the brilliant cast (Alexander Spinks, Lib Campbell and Tel Benjamin) gives this madness the high energy performances it deserves. It’s audacious, exuberant and effervescent. The whole thing operates simply as an opportunity for some seriously crazy comedy. There’s some theatre in-jokes, but no need for any knowledge of the canon. Ironically, for a piece that responds to our obsession with the Bard, I’ve seen it more times than I’ve seen most of his plays. ![]() Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, it’s been kicking around since the 1980’s. Considering the alternative, this is in no way a criticism.Īs an abridgement of Shakespeare’s plays, The Complete Works is equivalent to summarising Moby Dick with the word ‘whale’. Having said that, only Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and Hamlet are presented in any meaningful way (providing that wacky parody fits your definition of ‘meaningful’.) Most of the other plays are merely namedropped. The fourth wall is firmly down as three actors share their attempt to present all 36 of Shakespeare’s plays. The more discerning theatre-goer might surmise from the title that this is a comedy. ![]()
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