In 1989 Anthony Glenn and Andrea Hall, having met at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, started “Shaking Up Shakespeare”.
The idea was to de-mystify the Bard by making it easier to understand but at the same time keeping the essence and energy of the original plays.
The performances were specially devised and developed to be one-man-shows presented in a very lucid and unembellished style i.e no scenery and simple props and costume.
The idea was not to replace more traditional Shakespeare productions but to be more of a bridge between the student, afraid or bored and a more sophisticated appreciation.
So from the first performance of “Macbeth” in 1989, Anthony and Andrea have devised and developed many different shows based on the plays of Shakespeare. These are suitable for ANY age and all plays are constantly in repetoire.
Each performance lasts about an hour and is high energy with audience participation which is guaranteed to take the plays off the page and onto the stage in a very unique way.
Ironically for what was initially an educationally based experiment, the performances now stand in their own right as entertainment. They are often booked for special occasions and evening performances in various venues! Which goes to prove that they are not only enlightening but FUN!