Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

The Reduced Shakespeare Company's production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged relies on the age old theory that there's nothing more amusing than a tragedy executed badly. As it is, the company enacts ‘badly so brilliantly that the audience are left running for the toilets, lest they have an accident.

The genius of the play lies in the close relationship between the three players, who maintain a tight ship, whilst still appearing as if they re performing a school play.

The physical exertions demanded by presenting Shakespeare's complete works, what with ten second costume and sex changes every thirty seconds (or so it seemed), is often the cause of amusement. Although most of the irreverent mistakes made by the actors are probably scripted, they prove all the more entertaining for their ambiguity. Is this all for real or not?

In between combining Shakespeare's 17 comedies into one skit, performing “the Scottish play” and a brief run through of the bard's “Tarantino phase”, the cast squabble, run out and generally cause havoc throughout the theatre. The majority of the bard's repertoire is condensed into the first act, whilst the second act is the sole domain of Hamlet, over and over.

It's difficult to describe exactly what makes The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged so spot-on hysterical. Perhaps it's the pathetic props, the faux-dumb American act, the very attempt to condense such a wonderful body of impressive works into 97 minutes, or the ‘we're just amateurs' bravado. It all combines for one heady cocktail. Likewise, it's difficult to review the play without giving away the punch lines. Suffice to say that the performances are sparkling all round, leaving the audience with a clear impression of the existing comradery between the players.

A certain familiarity with Shakespeare's works is certainly useful, but not vital; the cast leave the point behind so often that the plays only form the skeleton of the performance, their characters and relationship taking centre stage. Without a doubt, this is one of the funniest plays I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. But be warned, if you're at all shy, get front row seats at your own peril.

Michaela Smith