Shakespeare’s comedy skills to be put on trial in West End charity gala

Lee Mack, Paterson Joseph, Richard Ayoade and Professor Emma Smith will appear alongside leading barristers for Is Shakespeare Funny? – The Trial of Shakespeare, a one-off fundraising event at the Criterion Theatre in aid of Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation.

The mock trial, directed by Josie Rourke and conducted by High Court judge Joanna Smith, will see comedian Will Kemp take Shakespeare to court, claiming he was forced out of the playwright’s company because of the quality of his jokes.

The evening will feature part-scripted, part-improvised proceedings as real-life barristers Kate Gallafent KC, Edward Henry KC, Andrew Hochhauser KC and Dinah Rose KC cross-examine expert witnesses and actors to determine whether Shakespeare’s humour holds up.

Mack will play Kemp, with Joseph as Robert Armin, another of Shakespeare’s performers. Ayoade and Smith will appear as expert witnesses, and the script is by Jonathan Myerson, with barrister Benet Brandreth KC as legal adviser. The role of Shakespeare and a surprise witness will be announced at a later date.

The event marks the 25th anniversary of Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation, a charity that runs the world’s largest youth drama festival and works with schools across the UK to help pupils build skills and confidence through performing Shakespeare.

Is Shakespeare Funny? – The Trial of Shakespeare takes place at 7.30pm on Monday 8 December 2025 at the Criterion Theatre, London.

Tickets are available on the venue website.