Showing results by author "William Shakespeare" in All Categories

In this BBC full-cast production of Henry IV Part 2, civil war is ravaging England. Rebels are rallying together, unified against Henry. Will Henry and his son, Hal, emerge victorious - or alive? Father and son Julian Glover and Jamie Glover star as King Henry and his son Hal in the powerful...

Dive into Shakespeares enchanting festive comedy, believed to have been crafted around 1601. This delightful tale unfolds the escapades of separated twins, Viola and Sebastian, who find their lives turned upside down by a shipwreck. Convinced her brother has perished, Viola disguises herself as a young man to serve the lovesick Duke Orsino, who is hopelessly pining for the elusive Countess Olivia. The story is peppered with a vibrant cast of characters, including Olivias boisterous uncle Sir Toby Belch, his bumbling friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, the sharp-witted maid Maria, the pompous steward ...

Twelfth Night, or What You Wil is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–02 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola (who is disguised as a boy) falls in love with Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with the Countess Olivia. Upon meeting Viola, Countess Olivia falls in love with her thinking she is a man. The play expanded on the musical interludes and riotous disorder expected of the occasion, with plot elements drawn from the short...

Dive into the comedic world of The Taming of the Shrew, one of Shakespeares earliest masterpieces, influenced by Roman comedy and the lively Italian commedia dellarte. Set in Padua, we meet Baptista Minola, a wealthy gentleman with two daughters the fiery Katherina, notorious for her sharp wit, and the sweet Bianca, desired by many suitors. Baptistas decree that Bianca cannot marry until Katherina finds a husband sets the stage for a series of comedic events. Enter Petruchio, determined to wive it wealthily in Padua, who is convinced by Biancas suitors to take on the challenge of wooing ...

In a twist of fate, local drunkard Christopher Sly stumbles into a tavern, where hes drawn into an elaborate charade that convinces him hes a nobleman! Thus unfolds the captivating tale of The Taming of the Shrew, one of Shakespeares renowned comedies. To entertain this newfound lord, a group of actors reenacts a story of love, rivalry, and transformation, where the enchanting Bianca attracts the attention of numerous suitors. However, her father has a condition the fiery Katherina, the shrew of the play, must find a suitable match first. Enter Petruchio, a determined suitor who will go to any...

Few plays serve as a more poignant conclusion to a playwrights career than Shakespeares The Tempest. This enchanting tale follows the aging sorcerer and rightful Duke of Milan, Prospero, as he navigates life on a remote island filled with magic and haunting melodies, alongside the resentful slave Caliban. When an unexpected opportunity arises to reclaim his tarnished reputation, Prospero conjures a powerful storm, stranding a ship carrying his treacherous brother and the King of Naples—both responsible for his exile from Milan twelve years prior. With the aid of the ethereal spirit Ariel, ...

The Two Noble Kinsmen is a captivating Jacobean tragicomedy co-crafted by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher, first published in 1634. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn ancient Greece, the story unfolds around two noble cousins, Palamon and Arcite, whose deep bond is tragically shattered by their shared love for the enchanting Emilia. As the drama unfolds, we also witness the poignant tale of the Gaolers Daughter, who descends into madness over her unrequited love for Palamon. Drawing inspiration from Chaucers The Knights Tale, this play resonates with echoes of Shakespeare’s A ...

Experience the charm of Shakespeares earliest comedy, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, believed to have been penned around 1590-91. This delightful tale revolves around two inseparable friends, Valentine and Proteus, whose bond is tested when they both fall for the enchanting Silvia. In a twist of fate, Proteus abandons his loyal Julia to chase after Silvia, prompting Julia to disguise herself as a boy and pursue him instead. With a host of humorous supporting characters, including the unforgettable Launce and his mischievous dog, Crab, this play is a whimsical exploration of friendship, love, and...

Join me on a journey through some of my favorite Shakespearean speeches, carefully selected for their beauty and insight. These passages not only showcase Shakespeares unmatched mastery of language but also reveal his profound understanding of human nature. As Orson Welles once noted, he speaks to everyone, and we all claim him. While its often said that a truly great Shakespearian actor needs a unique and extraordinary voice, that doesnt mean that everyday individuals cant read, listen to, and revel in the magic of Shakespeares words. (Summary by Martin Clifton)

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 ...

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