‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged and revised)’ is described as a chaotic romp through the works of Shakespeare – his comedies, tragedies, histories and sonnets, using sports games, fight scenes, singing and some interpretive dance to get the audience to the end in time.
Director Toni Sullivan says the Centre Stage production of 37 plays in 97 minutes is for everyone.
For those who love and know Shakespeare it should tickle a funny bone, she says, and for those who don’t this comedic recount is probably the only version they should see.
“There are a lot of jokes at the expense of some of the plays.”
The production is in honour of the bard in an irreverent way and definitely takes “abridged” too far by employing only three actors.
Phil Somerville, Kathleen Tapuke-O'Neal and Jess Riley have brought a variety of different skills and strengths to the production, Sullivan says.
“They've been so incredible. The biggest thing is we've got three people on stage. So there's three people handling this whole play. But the crew that we have to have is exactly the same as if you have 12 people on stage.”
With props flying and high-speed costume changes what’s happening backstage is almost as mad as the action onstage.
“So it's quite farcical, really fast, and there's a lot of people involved, but only three on the stage.”
In fact she thinks it would be quite fun to film the crew’s shenanigans.
And while there isn’t audience participation – so don’t worry about a front row seat, Sullivan says there is definitely audience interaction.
“Absolutely. And this is a little bit different. We've actually bought the stage down onto the floor. So we're nice and close to the audience…”
“We're not sitting at tables, because we are doing it in the round. However, you won't miss out on your wee dessert, which Centre Stage is quite known for is your wee treat at half time. So that is all included in your ticket price.”
‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged and revised)’ by Adam Long, Dan Winfield and Jess Singer is on at Centre Stage, 2 Matai Street March 18-28.
Bookings can be made through the Centre Stage website What's On | Centre Stage Taupo Community Theatre
