The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), Forest Arts, New Milton
Performing in Californian English, three energetic and engaging young Americans affectionately repackage Shakespeare's 37 plays in 97 minutes.
Including an infectious rap version of Othello, a Glaswegian treatment of Macbeth ("See you Jimmy! Now now, Miss Moneypenny!") and an utterly hilarious slapstick performance of Romeo and Juliet, this ingenious company makes the plays great fun while still highlighting the depth and beauty of the language - exactly as Shakespeare intended in the original Globe productions 400 years ago.
With frenetic costume changes, creative use of props, clever audience participation, and subtle cultural cross-references, this satirical all-male company embraces and extends Shakespearean ideas, including the "play within a play" - only this time it's a puppet show halfway through Hamlet!
The concept could be criticised for trivialising great literature, but they perform with joyful, quasi-respectful panache.
As one actor sighed with feeling, "I love my Willy!" (Shakespeare).
Playing Bournemouth Pavilion October 12.
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