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Podcast Shakespeare

A listening tour through the works, life, and afterlife of William Shakespeare.

Jun 26, 2019

“Are you a god? Would you create me new?”

New episode! In episode #14, why won’t anyone let Antipholus in? We’re discussing Shakespeare’s lightest, tightest play: The Comedy of Errors. Wander through the town square of Ephesus at your leisure. But perhaps don't accept any gifts from strangers....


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Jun 23, 2019

“Defer no time, delays have dangerous ends.”

— Alençon, Act III, scene ii

In episode #13, a quick jaunt through the critical fortunes of Henry VI, Part 1, not an historically beloved play. From the “prequel” question to the plays role as a barometer of Britain’s feelings on nationalism, to just how many...


May 22, 2019

"Awake, awake, English nobility!"

In episode #12, we look at Shakespeare's early history play Henry VI, Part 1, which sets the tone for the Wars of the Roses. It's a rip-roaring, Hollywoodised tour of history. Come along to the Gates of Ruin, pick your favourite-coloured rose, and mercilessly mock the French. Why not?...


May 2, 2019

"Life upon the wicked stage
Ain't ever what a girl supposes..."

- from Show Boat

New episode! In episode #11, I explore what life was like on the Elizabethan stage, from its naive origins to the messy, democratic, bawdy theatre world Shakespeare inherited. Join me as I learn about the original hellmouth, why the...


Apr 25, 2019

"I'm a maid mad to marry
And will take double-quick
Any Tom, Dick or Harry,
Any Tom, Harry or Dick!"

- Lois Lane / Bianca, in Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate

We're back with episode 10! Today I explore the critical and theatrical history of The Taming of the Shrew, from folk tales to musicals, from the Victorians to...