The Westville Boys’ High School Performing Arts Department proudly presents the phenomenally popular parody The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) at the Roy Couzens Theatre, in May 2016. The play, written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1987, went on to 9 record-breaking years on London’s West End, and has been the world’s most performed stage parody for the last 20 years.
The Complete Works is a hilarious, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s extensive playbook. Starring Murray Clark, Carrick Keating and Pierre Parrott, these three merry gentlemen in tights attempt to portray every comedy, tragedy, and history play ever penned by the venerable Willy. Filled with energetic improvisations, witty references to pop culture, cross dressing, and the world record for the shortest-ever performance of Hamlet (43 seconds), THE COMPLETE WORKS is sheer heavenly, unadulterated fun.
Director Luke Holder, who recently staged the critically-acclaimed productions Guys and Dolls and A Few Good Men, says that what appeals to him most about The Complete Works is that “you don’t have to know anything about Shakespeare or his plays to enjoy this ridiculous romp. It is a wildly challenging show for the performers, with audience interaction, whole and silly characters whose performance space is a living 360 degree world, and tons of space for physical comedy.”
The show is also touring to Cape Town in April, and the project began when these three remarkably talented young school boys were invited to perform their 20-minute Merchant of Venice in at the Baxter Theatre and the Waterfront Theatre in Cape Town in April this year, to coincide with the Shakespeare Schools Festival and the 400th celebration of Shakespeare’s life. “It was the perfect accompaniment to this performance,” says Luke Holder. “It displays the versatility and range of these gifted students, and allows them to experience the rigour of a hectic and physically demanding tour schedule.”
Performances at Westville Boys’ High School of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) are Tuesday 17 May – Friday 20 May, with a special supper theatre gala event on Saturday 21 May. All shows start at 19h00, and tickets range from R50 – R120.
Tickets can be booked via the theatre’s email address [email protected] or phone 031 – 267 1330 for reservations. Ticket sales open on Monday 11 April 2016.