The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
With Daniel Enticott, Kim R2
and Faeron Wheeler for Constantia Theatre Players
Lighting: Gary Fargher
Review: Celia Musikanth
This hilarious play was written by the founding members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. It was first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1987 and later played at the Criterion Theatre in London where it ran for nine years – making it the longest running non-farcical comedy on the West End.
Hats off to the three actors Daniel Enticott, Kim R2 and Faeron Wheeler who scored a hat trick in that I could not fault their performances – each one as brilliant as the other. Enticott played all the female parts with aplomb while R2 and Wheeler were terrific in the male parts. Gary Fargher’s lighting and effects were spot-on and added to the overall production.
I cannot remember when last I laughed with such gusto throughout an entire play and truly recommend that all readers share my enjoyment and not miss this treat of a show. Grade 10 to 12 pupils will definitely enjoy it and I am sure will be fired up with new enthusiasm for Shakespeare.
“All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances and one man in his time, plays many parts.” Yes indeed, this famous quote from the Bard’s comedy As You Like It certainly sums up this trio’s huge accomplishment. Split-second timing, exits and entrances, costumes, characterisation, energy and more, were all ingredients of a slick and excellently staged production.
You haven’t lived until you see Romeo and Juliet literally played out in a few minutes, Julius Caesar’s demise in a split second, and the history plays from Richard lll to Henry V and all the other Henrys in between played out like a South African rugby match, the ball being the “crown”- ing glory. Of course Othello as a Broadway musical is another fabulous memory as well as Titus Andronicus as a cookery show.
Each parody of the 37 plays spun over two hours is a treat with Hamlet delightfully taking up the second half including some hilarious interaction with the audience. This show deserves full houses and on that note I say, “Get thee to the Masque, get thee thither,” and have a ball. I think I will go and see it again – I love the fact that I can laugh so much – so needed in this day and age. Highly recommended.
There are still shows tonight and tomorrow at 8pm and Saturday at 2.30pm and 6.30pm.
Book through Masque Theatre Bookings on 021 788 1898 or email bookings@masquetheatre.co.za
