The bright pink facade of the Gilded Balloon venue is a far cry from anything like The Globe in which Shakespeare plays are traditionally performed. And this performance is certainly not traditional.
The props, language, and general themes may match what you’d expect to see in something produced by Shakespeare, but the show I had the privilege of watching was filled with interpretive dance routines, Lord of the Rings references, and was set in Australia.
The performance begins before you’re inside the theatre, where, waiting in the queue, you’re given the opportunity to write lines that the performers may use on stage. Be imaginative as possible, because they can be spoken by any character at any time, and it can lead to some incredibly funny results.
The audience, when seated, have the chance to choose between a tragedy, a comedy, or a history – the decision measured by how loud the people cheer. In my performance, the cheering was pretty equally spread, but I’m glad to announce the performance was a tragedy, defined by the performers as murder, violence, and comedy. Thankfully, a tragedy is what I’d been looking forward to, because a Shakespeare play isn’t a Shakespeare play without at least two deaths – in this play, there were five.
The good thing about ShakeItUp: The Improvised Shakespeare Show, is that you don’t have to be a Shakespeare intellectual to understand the play. One viewing of Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in the 1996 film of Romeo + Juliet is likely the amount of Shakespeare knowledge required to understand the show.
Improvisation is also another main element in the performance. Successful improv, generally, is already an incredible talent to possess, but to do it in Shakespearean English is even more impressive, and these performers are amazing at it. From being able to include the audience suggested lines and react according to the prompts to produce a play that is legible – in the theme of Shakespeare, no less – makes this show what it is: hilarious, enthralling, and immersive.
If you’re looking for something a little different this Fringe, ShakeItUp: The Improvised Shakespeare Show is a must-see.
ShakeItUp: The Improvised Shakespeare Show is running until 26 August at Gilded Balloon Patter House – Dram.
Buy tickets here.
Image provided to The Student for press use.