Review: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)

Reviewed by Mike O'Malley

To see, or not to see, that is the question. When it comes to the madcap comedy of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) being performed by the talented cast of Piece of Work Productions at Fairfield house in Nelson the answer is undoubtedly to see.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is a comedic play that attempts to condense all 37 of Shakespeare's plays into a single, fast-paced performance. The plot of the show follows three actors as they try to perform every one of Shakespeare's plays in just a few hours.

Fairfield House provides a picturesque backdrop for the zany hilarity. Anton Bentley masterfully directs a show that is incredibly entertaining with accessible comedy for audiences of all ages. Stage manager Michaela Sheehan is responsible for the herculean task of navigating the cast through a flurry of props and quick costume changes in time to hit their cues.

Matthew Edgar leads a stellar cast, and despite being young he demonstrates a side-splitting performance of a seasoned professional. Though smaller, Imogen Vlugter stands shoulder-to-shoulder with her fellow performers and owns the stage landing many a joke as well as a few punches too. Whether it be his cross-dressing costume changes or his deadpan hammery Myles Smalley steals the show with his one-liners.

All these parts combined for a show that keeps the audience cracking up from beginning to end. Parting from this show was such sweet sorrow so hurry fast and book your tickets for the show tomorrow (and the rest of the week).

The show is on this week only, so you need to be quick or you’ll miss out. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) at Fairfield House, 6.30pm 9 - 13 January. Tickets available at fairfieldnelson.org.nz/events/.