The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged!)

The thought of doing 37 plays from the world’s most revered playwright in just 90 minutes might have made students shrink with fear. But not CCGS Year 11 and 12 students. They embraced the challenge with full force.

Think Monty Pythonesque cross dressing meets sword fighting meets poisoning. Audiences held on tight as students weaved their way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild ride. 

Producer and Drama teacher, Natalie Parsons-Clair, had seen the play in London some years ago and fell in love with the humour. “It is a very funny play. It’s a fun take on Shakespeare but with serious moments. It pays respect and homage to the Bard but in a slightly irreverent way,” said Mrs Parsons-Clair.

A cast of just 19 students, playing around 60 different characters, had audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter. Lee Fleming, Director of Performing Arts, commented, “This is the first time in a number of years that we’ve chosen a comedy for our senior Drama production and this was definitely one with more mature content. It was slapstick and satirical. Teenagers rapping Shakespeare, cross dressing boys and girls, ridiculous deaths, convenient love triangles and performances delivered forwards, backwards and in record speed.”

The stage was redesigned with a purpose built apron extension to help create proximity and intimacy between cast and audience. 
Mrs Parsons-Clair said, “The rapport between the cast and the audience was very special. The audience were ready to laugh and appreciate the performance. This helped the students grow so much. We even received a standing ovation one night which gave us all tingles.

“This is definitely one of the most challenging plays we have done. Comedy is hugely complex – it’s about tone, exaggeration, language, timing and more. It’s a big ask for our students and it was great to see them embrace the challenge.”

With so many special moments and hilarious scenes, including Hamlet performed in three different ways, as well as special guest appearance from Connie Russo, retired CCGS teacher, the audience was left thoroughly entertained.

Year 12 student, Ben Oliver came along to see the show and summed up the night, “An intriguing modern approach to Shakespeare that showcased the unique talents of the amazing cast.”