As I walk up to the theatre with my friend, I suggest there is no way they could fit every Shakespeare play into 90 minutes. The concept of ‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)’ is unfathomable, yet the Reduced Shakespeare Company runs with it.
Currently running (literally) at Royal & Derngate, the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s cult comedy is loud, chaotic, wildly energetic and one of the most enjoyable nights at the theatre I’ve ever had. It’s less a cautious adaptation of the classics and more of three friends collectively deciding to wail and sing through Shakespeare’s entire collection of works.
The biggest surprise is how a small cast can bring so much energy to the stage. With just three actors, the production feels larger than it really is. Characters, accents, wigs, props and a surprising amount of water are thrown around the stage at a shocking speed, but the play never feels messy or out of control. The cast bounce off each other so well, with incredible comedic timing throughout the play.
There are a LOT of jokes. After the interval, the play shifts into a more comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, similar to a comedy show, inviting audience members up to the stage and encouraging a lot of audience interaction, which really solidifies the performance as one of the best I’ve seen.
What makes the production work so well is that it never expects the audience to be Shakespeare experts, largely because they have their own self-proclaimed expert. They place great emphasis on all the largest plays, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth, but it is all made to ensure it is fully accessible to the audience who may know very little about Shakespeare. The humour feels very contemporary, self-aware, and relatable, constantly breaking the fourth wall to ensure the audience stays engaged. In this way, the audience really makes the show. Some productions would compare getting audience interaction to pulling teeth, but the audience in this production is raring to go, becoming the highlight of the show. One segment involving several members of the audience being brought onto the stage to substitute actors is a massive hit with the crowd. Credits are due to the cast for their quick wits and improv skills, but the whole production feels unpredictable in the best way, leaving you on the edge of your seat.
The bare staging really helps emphasise just how much these actors are doing. The amount of physical comedy really stands out against the bare backdrop and highlights just how strong the performances of Efė Agwele, Tom Pavey and Kiran Raywilliams are.
It’s worth mentioning that this performance features understudy Kiran, stepping in for ‘Woogie Jung’, but you would never be able to tell. The chemistry between the cast is undeniable, and the pace never slows. The company describes the show as “a classic comic masterpiece for a new generation of audiences”. The show is written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield.
They are currently on tour, visiting twenty-nine venues across the UK. Find more here: https://completeworkstour.co.uk/complete-works-venues/
