It’s audacious, exuberant and effervescent. The whole thing operates simply as an opportunity for some seriously crazy comedy. There’s some theatre in-jokes, but no need for any knowledge of the canon. Ironically, for a piece that responds to our obsession with the Bard, I’ve seen it more times than I’ve seen most of his plays. Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, it’s been kicking around since the 1980’s. Considering the alternative, this is in no way a criticism.Īs an abridgement of Shakespeare’s plays, The Complete Works is equivalent to summarising Moby Dick with the word ‘whale’. Having said that, only Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and Hamlet are presented in any meaningful way (providing that wacky parody fits your definition of ‘meaningful’.) Most of the other plays are merely namedropped. The fourth wall is firmly down as three actors share their attempt to present all 36 of Shakespeare’s plays. Other titles in the Chartwell Classics Series include: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland And Other Tales, Complete Fiction of H.P.The more discerning theatre-goer might surmise from the title that this is a comedy. Offering the most complete compilation of each set of works, Chartwell Classics are the editions of choice for the most discerning literature buffs. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare contains essential reading like Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, King Lear, Othello, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, and Henry V, alongside many lesser-known gems for a complete Shakespearean education.Įssential volumes for the shelves of every classic literature lover, the Chartwell Classics series includes beautifully presented collections from some of the most important authors in literary history.

This collection includes poems and plays that were excluded in Shakespeare's First Folio of 1623 to make one complete, authentic collection.įor Shakespeare and poetry fans worldwide, this stunning hardcover edition includes an introduction by the widely known Renaissance literature and history author John Lotherington, making this the perfect gift. 'I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but I see you are unarmed.' -William ShakespeareĪrm yourself with this volume from the Charwell Classic series, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, including 17 comedies, 10 histories, 10 tragedies, 154 sonnets, and 4 narrative poems of the world's most influential writer.

The complete works of william