Bright yellow poster for 'The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)' by Reduced Shakespeare Company. Humorous actors in varied costumes surround bold black and white text. A Shakespeare illustration and playful tone emphasize comedy.

The Theatre Chipping Norton and Selladoor Worldwide present Reduced Shakespeare Company in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)

by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield
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About The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)

All 37 plays. Three actors. One wildly funny show.

The worldwide comedy hit returns with a brand-new, updated version of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), a fast, furious and gloriously absurd sprint through all of the Bard’s tragedies, comedies and histories.

Expect Hamlet performed backwards, Titus Andronicus as a YouTube cooking tutorial, and all of the History plays turned into a chaotic football match where the crown is kicked from king to king. Throw in lightning-fast costume changes, sword fights, outrageous improvisation and the result is a wildly inventive and hilarious celebration of Shakespeare.

After nine years in London’s West End, two TV specials and performances in over 20 countries, the Reduced Shakespeare Company bring their legendary Shakespeare spoof to a new generation of audiences.

“A madcap condensation that features non-stop laughs.”

Variety

“Stupendous, anchorless joy.”

Bernard Levin, The Times London

“The funniest show you are likely to see in your entire lifetime.”

Montreal Gazette

For Schools

Education Pack

Full of information about the company and the production, as well as activities for students. Download the Education Pack here.

Image gallery

Gallery

  • A person in a theatrical costume holds a skull aloft, evoking Hamlet, against a deep blue background. The mood is contemplative and dramatic.
  • Three performers on stage with toy dinosaurs, set against a purple backdrop. Two crouch, one stands, all appear engaged and amused.
  • Three actors on stage in dramatic poses. One, in a chef's hat, holds a cleaver triumphantly. Another kneels, holding spaghetti. The backdrop is blue-lit, enhancing the comedic and theatrical mood.
  • Three performers stand in a row, each kicking a leg high. The left performer wears casual clothes, the middle one in a skirt, and the right holds a guitar, all exude playfulness against a blue-lit background.
  • Two performers in a theatre scene. One wears a crown, holding a puppet, appearing commanding. The other, in black with a top hat, kneels dramatically.
  • A puppeteer, smiling joyfully, animates a dinosaur and lion puppet within a small theatre. The scene is framed by red velvet curtains against a blue backdrop.
  • Three actors on stage, two holding swords and one in a white robe with a crown. Blue lighting casts dramatic shadows on the backdrop, creating a tense atmosphere.
  • Two actors in theatrical costumes perform a comedic sword fight on stage. One covers their eyes while lunging forward. The background is a bright blue.
  • Two actors in historical costumes joyfully raise their arms against a vivid blue backdrop on stage, conveying excitement and celebration.
  • Two actors in chef outfits theatrically pretend to prepare a person on a cart as if for a meal. A skull and plastic limbs add comedic horror.
  • Two actors perform on stage. The first wears a flowing white gown, floral wreath, and belt, reaching out dramatically. The second wears modern casual attire and observes. The background is a gradient blue, creating an intense theatrical atmosphere.
  • A woman joyfully reaches out from a dimly lit stage, wearing a white dress. Audience members in blurred foreground extend their hands towards her.
  • Three actors on stage: a woman in a medieval costume lunges forward with a dagger, while two people in casual clothes kneel behind her, looking shocked.
  • Two actors perform intensely on stage against a blue backdrop. One wears a green jacket and beanie; the other wears a textured, dramatic costume.
  • Three actors on stage express excitement and joy. One, wearing a crown, raises a fist triumphantly. The background is a calming blue hue.
  • Two actors in military helmets and jackets, holding swords, look surprised on a stage with a blue backdrop. The scene conveys tension and drama.
  • A person in a vintage military outfit and helmet plays a ukulele against a smooth blue background. The scene feels calm and introspective.

Choose Dates and Book

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