It should be Bard (Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged))

Name: grahamt

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Product:	Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged)
Date:	29/12/00 (46 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You will rarely see anything funnier

Disadvantages: Not recommended if you have a weak heart

In those slack days after Christmas we try each year to get to a play in London. We've rarely been disappointed, having seen such great productions as Miss Saigon and Blood Brothers.

We decided this year to try something different so we booked to see "The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)" at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus.

It was brilliant. I have never laughed so much, so continuously throughout a performance before.

The company consists only of three performers, Canadian, Rick Bland and Americans, Gary Fannin and John Schwab. These three magicians sought to capture the essence of Shakespeare's entire 37 plays (plus the Sonnets) in 1 1/2 hours, no mean feat.

After an intial potted bio of Shakespeare (which half-way through starts to bear an uncanny resemblance to a more infamous character) we launch into the plays.

We start with Romeo and Juliet. You have never seen a balcony scene like this!

Then it's onto the other plays though the majority of the comedies are distilled into a single composite play. It may be cheating but it is hilarious.

Othello is superb, especially as none of the performers is black! It may take you a while to get the first joke but stick with it.

After the interval the entire second "act" is taken up with Hamlet.

This becomes a real audience-participation piece. If you are in the front row you may even be called up on stage. If you are, don't be embarassed. It's huge fun and no one is made a fool of. You can claim for the rest of your life that you performed in Shakespeare on the West End stage!

We came out of the theatre hoarse and with tears of laughter rolling down our cheeks.

If I have a criticism, too short. I WANT MORE!!!!!!!!

Summary: