|
||
|
|
The SHAKESPEARE SHOW Venue 16 – PTE Mainstage
The
Shakespeare Show
is a comedy based on the premise that Shakespeare didn't really write his
plays; they were written by Edward de Vere, the
17th Earl of Oxford. The action of the play follows de Vere as he first becomes inspired to write the plays, but
not take credit for political reasons. He decides to give the credit to
William Shakespeare, a simpleton who tends horses for theatre patrons.
Later de Vere decides he wants to be recognized as
the writer after all, but by now Shakespeare has come to enjoy the limelight
and refuses to acknowledge the truth. de Vere then attempts his revenge, but things go wrong and
he is killed. Shakespeare, moved by de Vere's last request, goes on to write this play to set
the record straight. Such is
the plot. But the fact that this show has a cohesive plot is just an
added bonus. What makes this show a must see is that it is very funny.
The script is written in iambic pentameter and is filled with allusions to
Shakespeare. But don't let that worry you. It is also laugh a
minute funny, and even those most unfamiliar with Shakespeare will see the humour
in it. Ryan
Gladstone and Tara Travis are terrific as a couple of comedic whirling
dervishes, moving from scene to scene and character to character while hardly
stopping for air. Their skills in physical comedy are amazing and will
have you rolling in the aisles. This show is undoubtedly the best
comedy I have seen at this year’s Fringe. Go and see it or else
get thee to a nunnery. - Terry Moor UMFM |
|
