Three men, 37 plays, 97 minutes. It may sound impossible, but Gerard McCabe, Keith Lynch, and Michael Patrick just about pull it off. Clad in pink tights, questionable wigs and a whole myriad of costumes, Bruiser Theatre Company successfully put a Northern Irish twist on Adam Long, David Singer and Jess Winfield’s The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).
It goes without saying that if you’re at a Bruiser production you’re in for one hell of a show, and this one was no different. From the well-known plays of Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth to the lesser known Titus Andronicus and Troilus and Cressida, this is Shakespeare but not as you know it. Over the course of the evening we learn more about the Bard (through songs, raps, interpretive dance and even a cooking show) than you ever learned in school, and underneath the tears of laughter and literal hysterics that the audience are in you do find yourself gaining a newfound appreciation for oul Willy’s plays.
Whilst all three actors do a sterling job, the star of the show is undoubtedly Gerard McCabe, who you might recognise from other Bruiser shows such as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. With razor sharp wit, impeccable improvisation skills and a natural lovable charm, McCabe had the audience in the palm of his hand from start to finish.
Having seen the Reduced Shakespeare Company perform this play a few years ago, I can wholeheartedly say that I enjoyed Bruiser’s Production infinitely more. With a simple stage set containing all the props needed (which for 37 plays is surprisingly little) and some top-notch casting, this production is very special indeed.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is on at The MAC in Belfast from 13th -22nd September. Tickets can be booked here and they are selling out FAST.
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