Presented by The Stirling Players
Reviewed 9th September 2022
The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Abridged), the final show in The Stirling Players 50th anniversary year, is a wonderful production, combining terrific performances, physical theatre, comedy, music and a lot of general silliness. Immense energy is required for only 6 actors to cover the 1122 roles which are in Shakespeare’s complete works and the cast recruited audience members to assist, so beware if you sit near the front.
Jethro Pidd’s relative inexperience in direction, which he acknowledges in the Director’s Notes, was nowhere in evidence and he did a great job stepping in as a performer to replace a cast member who is ill. His clever use of books, index cards and notes, as possible prompts, for his unexpected role looked perfectly in character.
The cast of Louie Collins, David Salter, Riordan Miller-Frost, Genevieve Hudson and Grace Colsey maintained a frenetic pace throughout the show – with wonderful fights, death scenes, and a surprising kiss (no spoilers). A rainbow array of mismatched costumes, quick changes and a startling collection of wigs all add to the hilarity. I especially enjoyed David Salter as Ophelia, complete with beard!
Whether you have read or seen any of Shakespeare’s plays or not, this whirlwind comic tour presents The Bard’s famous works in a way you have never imagined. The history plays are presented as an American Football match, with the parade of kings through the plays culminating in Henry VIII scoring a touchdown, while Titus Andronicus becomes the Gory Gourmet, a cooking show. My favourite reinterpretation was Othello as a rap musical à la Hamilton – quite a good idea I thought.
Reviewed by Jan Kershaw
Venue: Stirling Community Theatre
Season:Â Friday September 9, 16, 23 at 8pm Saturday September 10, 17, 24 at 8pm Sunday September 11, 18 at 3pm
Duration: 1 hour 45 mins with 20 min interval
Tickets: $27 Conc $22
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=945000&
