Shakespeare Live! From The RSC

Shakespeare Live! From The RSC is a joyous celebration of the works of William Shakespeare, brought to life by a star-studded cast of actors, musicians, and dancers. Filmed at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon on the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death, the show is a tribute to his enduring legacy and the continued relevance of his stories and characters.

Hosted by David Tennant, who has played a number of iconic Shakespearean roles himself, the show features a wide array of performances from some of the most talented artists in the UK. Catherine Tate, known for her hilarious characters on the sketch comedy show The Catherine Tate Show, takes on the role of Beatrice from Much Ado About Nothing, delivering a poignant and powerful rendition of the play’s famous “How sweetly you do minister to love” scene.

Hip hop artist Akala puts his own spin on the Bard’s words, delivering a passionate and politically charged performance of his own composition based on Shakespeare’s work. The piece, entitled “Hip Hop Shakespeare,” speaks to the enduring relevance of the playwright’s themes of love, loss, and social justice, and shows how these ideas still resonate with audiences today.

Other performances in the show include a stunning dance interpretation of Romeo and Juliet by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, a musical homage to Shakespeare’s most famous characters by the cast of the West End show The Play That Goes Wrong, and a thrilling performance of “The Scottish Play” by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s own actors.

The show is not just a celebration of Shakespeare’s work, however. It also highlights the many ways in which his plays have influenced other forms of art and culture, from film and television to music and dance. Clips from famous adaptations of the plays, such as Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet and Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V, are interspersed throughout the show, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Shakespeare’s stories and characters.

But perhaps the most moving moment of the show comes at the end, when the entire cast comes together to perform a rousing rendition of “Hey Jude” by The Beatles. As the audience joins in the singing, it becomes clear that the works of Shakespeare are not just a relic of the past, but a timeless source of inspiration and joy for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Overall, Shakespeare Live! From The RSC is a triumphant celebration of the enduring legacy of William Shakespeare, featuring stunning performances from some of the UK’s most talented artists. With something for everyone, from classic poetry readings to hip hop interpretations of the Bard’s work, this show is a must-see for anyone who loves the arts – and anyone who has ever been moved by the power of Shakespeare’s words.