Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged Review
The Reduced Shakespeare Company in
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Revised)
York Theatre Royal
Reviewed by Rachel Legg
Well how to review this? In a single word… Fantastic!
York Theatre Royal is a truly lovely venue in the city centre, it is a fairly small theatre which is ideal for this kind of show as you feel very up close and personal with the cast.
The Reduced Shakespeare Company were performing their “Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (revised)” a completely madcap and insane trip through all Shakespeare’s works in 90 minutes or thereabouts. Romeo and Juliet as I’ve never seen them before, Othello in rap was a highlight and the small mechanical T-Rex (yes really) had me literally crying with laughter. The second half of the programme was devoted to Hamlet and though not quite as insane still very funny, though I must add just a small a word of warning, if you sit in the front row you run the risk of audience participation.
The 3 cast members are extremely talented and versatile, and in two memorable sections had the audience roaring with laughter and “pin drop” silence within the space of 5 minutes, a not inconsiderable feat.
I would heartily recommend this to anyone of any age and background, you definitely do not have to be a Shakespeare aficionado to enjoy this though some of the puns and in jokes are funnier if you have a passing acquaintance with the original. It is a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Rating: 5/5 
The Reduced Shakespeare Company is currently on tour with the Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Revised), for more information visit www.reducedshakespeare.com
For other shows at York Theatre Royal visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
