Saving Shakespeare: Murder, Magic & Mayhem

Developed by A Place For Us CIC in 2022, Saving Shakespeare is an energetic frolic through some of Shakespeare’s most iconic works.

The premise of the show is William Shakespeare, or Will I Am as he refers to himself, has arrived at court to perform his latest production. Unfortunately, Will has forgotten the script, and none of the actors have turned up. His only hope are two women who aren’t even legally allowed to act. Over the course of an hour, the trio cobble together a show to perform for Elizabeth I using the scenes they can remember from other works. Covering Macbeth, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and Twelfth Night the production is a joy from start to finish.

This show was due to be held in the Ken Dodd Performance Garden, which as the name may suggest is entirely outside. The great British weather obviously had other ideas about an outdoor performance, and the rain hadn’t stopped for easily 7 hours. There was a decision made to move the production into the studio space at Shakespeare North Playhouse, but the uncertainty around an outdoor production in the rain seemed to put people off meaning there weren’t as many people in the audience which was a shame.

Despite the reduced audience, the three performers were impeccable and delivered a perfect blend of farce and seriousness. Colin Kiyani was completely enthralling as Shakespeare along with the other characters he portrayed. Katie Fry and Roz Norbury were both excellent in every character they played, and were particularly brilliant in the Midsummer Night Dreams scene.

Throughout the production there is audience interaction, but the interaction felt like the perfect amount for an hour long show. From providing the ingredients to the witches brew during Macbeth. to wearing fairy wings to deliver some of the Midsummer Night’s Dream sections, the participation was never forced and added to the enjoyment of the family friendly show.

This was the perfect cure for the “Summer” weather, and a fantastic introduction to Shakespeare’s works. A Place For Us have created an excellent production that was a joy to watch.

Header photograph from A Place For This Facebook page.

Originally posted: June 20, 2023