Showing results by author "William Shakespeare" in All Categories

A collection of BBC Radio 3's iconic Shakespeare productions: six tragedies with all star casts including Michael Sheen, Juliet Stevenson, Kenneth Cranham, Corin Redgrave, Ken Stott, Geraldine James, Bill Wallis, Siân Phillips and Sophie Dahl.

A collection of BBC Radio 3's iconic Shakespeare productions: eight comedies with all-star casts including David Tennant, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne-Marie Duff, Martin Jarvis, Siân Phillips and Miriam Margolyes. The plays included in this collection are: Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Twelfth Night, The Tempest, The Taming of the Shrew, and All's Well That Ends Well.

Adopting the methodology of the music charts, The Classic Hundred Poems presents the "top 100" poems of all time. The selections are illuminated by the informative notes of editor William Harmon and read by an ensemble of contemporary poets including Alfred Corn and Rita Dove.

All of the Shakespeare plays within the Argo Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations.

Three powerful radio productions from the BBC archives starring Ian McKellen, Ronald Pickup and Paul Scofield and a host of celebrated acting talent. These three legendary plays, performed by some of the best-known theatrical actors of the 20th century, are the perfect way to commemorate England's greatest dramatist.

Shakespeare’s timeless story of revenge, corruption, and murder is considered one of the greatest works in the English language. Prince Hamlet sets out to avenge his beloved father's death at the hand of his uncle Claudius - but Hamlet's spiral into grief and madness will have permanent and immutable consequences for the Kingdom of Denmark. Composed over 400 years ago, Hamlet remains one of the theater’s most studied and performed works, and is presented here in a stunning, sound-rich, full-cast recording.

Infamously known as the cursed Scottish play, Macbeth is perhaps Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy. When General Macbeth is foretold by three witches that he will one day be King of Scotland, Lady Macbeth convinces him to get rid of anyone who could stand in his way – including committing regicide. As Macbeth ascends to the throne through bloody murder, he becomes a tyrant consumed by fear and paranoia.

Dive into the delightful world of Much Ado About Nothing, one of Shakespeares most celebrated comedies that brilliantly intertwines humor with profound themes of honor, shame, and courtly intrigue. The play revolves around two pairs of lovers the witty and sharp-tongued Benedick and Beatrice, who engage in a playful merry war against love, and the sweetly enamored Claudio and Hero, whose love leaves them almost speechless. While Claudio and Hero drive the plot forward, it is the captivating courtship between Benedick and Beatrice that truly enchants, showcasing their transformation from ...

Discover the intriguing tale of Mucedorus, a play often mistakenly attributed to Shakespeare in its 1610 edition. While it was housed in the library of Charles the Second, the authorship may actually belong to Robert Greene (1558 - 1592). Celebrated for its popularity, this play is referenced in the 1611 Beaumont and Fletcher work, The Knight of the Burning Pestle. Mucedorus was a tremendous success, captivating audiences with its whimsical charm akin to a nursery tale. Acted by traveling companies long after the Commonwealth, it impressively went through seventeen editions between 1598 and ...

In Shakespeare's comedy of wit, love and miscommunication, Beatrice and Benedick and Hero and Claudio are pushed into and pulled out of love, their friends playing cupid with life-changing consequences. David Tennant and Samantha Spiro star as the famous sparring partners Benedick and Beatrice, with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Emilia Fox as Claudio and Hero. The supporting cast includes Maxine Peake and Julian Rhind-Tutt

Julius Caesar is one of Shakespeare’s most compelling Roman plays. The plot against Caesar and the infamous assassination scene make for unforgettable listening. Brutus, the true protagonist of the play, is mesmerizing in his psychological state of anguish, forced to choose between the bonds of friendship and his desire for patriotic justice.

Step into the vibrant world of Elizabethan England with William Shakespeares The Merry Wives of Windsor. Following the misadventures of the notorious Sir John Falstaff, who captured hearts in Henry IV, this play marks his final escapade. In the charming town of Windsor, Falstaff hatches a ludicrous scheme to woo two affluent merchant wives, Mistresses Page and Ford, by sending them identical love letters. Little does he know, his cunning plan will backfire spectacularly! As the two clever women band together to teach him a lesson through a series of hilarious pranks, they also navigate the ...

Step into the whimsical world of Loves Labours Lost, an early comedy by the brilliant William Shakespeare. In this enchanting tale, the King of Navarre and his three loyal companions make a solemn vow to dedicate three years to study and isolation, pledging to avoid the company of women. However, their resolve is swiftly challenged by the unexpected arrival of the Princess of France and her three charming ladies at the Kings court. Join us as we explore love, wit, and the folly of ambition in a delightful romp filled with laughter and romance. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Step into the world of William Shakespeares Measure for Measure, a play that defies easy categorization. Known as one of Shakespeares problem plays, it weaves a dark narrative infused with moments of levity, leaving audiences grappling with its unresolved tensions. The story unfolds as Duke Vincentio of Vienna hands over his authority to the strict judge Angelo before embarking on a diplomatic journey. However, Vincentio secretly disguises himself as a humble friar to observe Angelos rule, which quickly reveals itself as cruel and unyielding. When a man is sentenced to death for fornication, ...

Dive into the enchanting world of The Merry Devil of Edmonton, a captivating play that has sparked debate over its authorship, with some attributing it to the great William Shakespeare himself. Tucker Brooke, author of The Shakespeare Apocrypha, highlights the dubious nature of the evidence surrounding its attribution, yet he praises its rich vitality, humorous spirit, and delicate portrayal of love and friendship. Whether truly penned by Shakespeare or not, this delightful work stands out as one of the most enjoyable pseudo-Shakespearian plays, inviting readers to experience its charm over ...

Step into the enchanting world of Shakespeares whimsical comedy, where the realms of ancient Athens collide with the mischief of fairies and the chaos of love. Join Duke Theseus and his spirited bride Hippolyta as they navigate a tangled web of romance involving four feuding lovers. As the night unfolds in a magical forest, expect a delightful mix of humor and amateur theatrics. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett) Cast includes Theseus/Oberon Algy Pug, Hippolyta/Titania Elizabeth Klett, Philostrate/Puck Amy Gramour, and many more talented voices bringing this classic tale to life.

The History of Troilus and Cressida has long perplexed both critics and audiences with its erratic tone, oscillating between bawdy comedy and somber tragedy. This complex work features an unheroic and often unsympathetic cast of characters, weaving through a multitude of subplots and locations that can overshadow even its titular figures. We follow the young Trojan warrior Troilus as he pursues the indifferent Cressida, while also witnessing the Greek leader Agamemnons attempts to compel the proud Achilles into battle, alongside the scathing fool Thersites, who critiques the vanity and ...

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of A Midsummer Nights Dream, where three interwoven plots unfold amid the whimsical backdrop of the wedding celebration of Theseus, Duke of Athens, and Hippolyta, the fierce Amazon queen. Set against the mystical realms of Fairyland and the moonlit forest, this timeless tale explores love, magic, and the complexities of human relationships. Join a talented cast as they bring to life unforgettable characters—from the mischievous Puck to the feuding lovers, all under the spell of the night.

Often regarded as one of Shakespeares most complex problem plays, Measure for Measure delves into the intricate themes of sin and justice. When Duke Vincentio relinquishes control of Vienna to the morally corrupt Angelo, chaos ensues as Claudio is sentenced to death for the shame of premarital sex. Desperate to save her brother, Isabella, a novice nun, confronts a harrowing bargain her brothers life in exchange for her own virginity. Join us as we navigate this compelling narrative filled with moral dilemmas and societal critique. (Summary by wildemoose) Cast Abhorson John D. Nugent Angelo ...

Is it a Shakespearean play? Most likely not, but this intriguing comedy, found in a volume labeled Shakespeare in Charles IIs library, certainly captivates. C. F. Tucker Brooke featured it in his 1818 collection of Shakespeare Apocrypha as one of 14 possible plays attributed to the Bard. With William the Conqueror in disguise and Fair Em revealing unexpected layers, this delightful tale offers a blend of humor and clever twists. - Summary by ToddHW