Showing results for "Shakespeare" in Arts & Entertainment

Experience the legendary works of the Bard with William Shakespeare Collection, featuring masterful narrations of his most famous plays and sonnets. From the tragic love of Romeo and Juliet to the political intrigue of Julius Caesar, these works showcase the depth and brilliance of Shakespeare’s storytelling.

William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time...

William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time...

Hamlet is commonly regarded as one of the greatest plays ever written. Drawing on Danish chronicles and the Elizabethan vogue for revenge tragedy, Shakespeare created a play that is at once a philosophic treatise, a family drama, and a supernatural thriller. In the wake of his father's death, Prince Hamlet finds that his Uncle Claudius has swiftly taken the throne and married his mother, Queen Gertrude. The ghost of the dead king then appears and charges Claudius with 'murder most foul.' Hamlet is called to revenge his father's death: but will he be able to act before it is too late?View our ...

Step back into the tumultuous world of Shakespeares Henriad with the enthralling sequel to Henry IV, Part 1. Set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the Battle of Shrewsbury, this gripping tale follows the Earl of Northumberland as he seeks vengeance for his son Hotspurs death at the hands of Prince Hal. As discontent brews among the nobles, Falstaff—now richer and more audacious than ever—continues his drunken escapades in Eastcheap, drawing the ire of Mistress Quickly and the affections of Doll Tearsheet. Meanwhile, Prince Hal grapples with his fathers declining health and the ...

Published in 1605 under the title The London Prodigal, this play was performed by the Kings Majestys servants and later included in the 3rd and 4th Shakespeare folios. However, Tucker Brooke, the author of *The Shakespeare Apocrypha*, argues against the plays authenticity, stating that it lacks Shakespeares renowned psychological insight and moral depth. As he puts it, any theory which supports the plays authenticity may safely be branded as utterly untenable. Join us as we explore this intriguing work and delve into its themes of morality and the prodigal son archetype. - Summary by ToddHW

Dive into Shakespeares intriguing problem play, Troilus and Cressida, set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. As the Chorus proclaims, the story unfolds in the middle of this epic conflict, weaving together the intensity of battle with the tender romance of Troilus and Cressida. While Agamemnon and his cunning Greek allies, particularly the persuasive Ulysses, strive to persuade the legendary Achilles to return to the fight, the Trojan intermediary Pandarus seeks to unite Troilus, the son of King Priam, with his enchanting niece, Cressida. Join us for this captivating exploration of love ...

Step into the world of Shakespeare’s iconic second Henriad as we witness the thrilling journey of King Henry V, a leader whose evolution from the carefree prince of Henry IV to a determined monarch is nothing short of remarkable. Persuaded by the English clergy of his ancestral claim to the French throne, Henry faces the haughty Dauphins mockery, symbolized by a gift of tennis balls. In response, he boldly commands the invasion of France, igniting a fierce and costly conflict that becomes the backdrop for one of Shakespeare’s most patriotic narratives. Through Henry, we explore the themes ...

In the aftermath of Richard IIs downfall, Shakespeares captivating Henriad unfolds with King Henry IV, Part 1, a play rich in political intrigue and personal conflict. As King Henry IV grapples with a growing divide between himself and the rebellious Percys, tensions escalate when young Hotspur confronts him over the fate of ransomed prisoners from a recent battle. The Percys, in collaboration with the Welsh and Scots, plot their uprising against the throne. Meanwhile, Henry’s wayward son, Prince Hal, is lost in a world of taverns and highwaymen, finding companionship in the roguish Sir John...

William Shakespeare, long hailed as history's greatest dramatic writer, has been lauded for his mastery of poetic expression, his insight into the human condition, and his deep exploration into the psyche and motivations of his characters.

In this BBC full-cast production, Julius Caesar is triumphant after his victory over the sons of Pompey. But as bad omens and weather plague Rome, even his most loyal friends are starting to see the signs... Political intrigue and fierce battle rage in this tense and dynamic production in which...

Aspects Of Love is a captivating anthology that delves into the multifaceted nature of erotic love. This collection begins with Platos renowned work, The Symposium, where men gather over a meal, each sharing their unique perspectives on love. Following this inspired format, each selected piece in this anthology presents a distinct exploration of loves many forms—be it the thrill of infidelity, the warmth of marriage, or the beauty of same-sex relationships. From the eloquent verses of Donne, Whitman, Shakespeare, and Sappho, this anthology invites readers to journey through the diverse ...

When Julius Caesar returns to Rome from conquering the Gauls, Cassius and his friends are worried that he will try to seize power and make himself emperor. Cassius must act fast. He gathers Brutus, Cinna, and others to stop Julius Caesar and save the Roman Republic! This play was recorded in two weeks as part of Librivox's celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Summary by Esther ben SimonidesCast List:Narrator: Peter WhyFlavius, Casca, Volumnius: Maria KasperMarullus, Cinna the Poet, Poet, Dardanius: Ray KasperFirst Commoner, Decius Brutus, Fourth Citizen, First Soldier, ...

William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, based on true events, concerns the conspiracy against Julius Caesar, his assassination in 44 BC, and its immediate aftermath. Probably written in 1599 and among the first of Shakespeare's plays to be performed at the Globe Theater, Julius Caesar is one of his best-known dramas and has received innumerable performances throughout the centuries. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden after Wikipedia)Cast:Julius Caesar – Kim StichOctavius Caesar – Glenn SimonsenAntony – Barry EadsLepidus and Cicero – David LawrencePublius, Poet, and Pindarus –...

In 2012, the World Shakespeare Festival surveyed Britons as to their favourite plays by Shakespeare. This collection consists of 21 scenes from the most popular plays written by arguably the greatest writer in the English language, possibly any language. It is an homage to the Bard in celebration of the 400th anniversary of his death in 1616 -- the Shakespeare Quadricentennial. - Summary by John Burlinson Roles performed by: Beth Thomas, Michele Eaton, Sonia, Tony Addison and John BurlinsonEditing done mainly by Michele Eaton and John Burlinson

Experience Hamlet as a powerful full-cast drama with entertaining and enlightening commentary that explains what's what and who's who as the plot unfolds. To help you get the most out of Shakespeare, the narrator offers historical insights and background information, so you can enjoy the jokes, appreciate the references, and get a real sense of Shakespeare's world. The unabridged drama is also presented without commentary.

In this BBC full-cast production, the ghost of Hamlet's father orders him to kill the man who took his life, his throne and his wife: Claudius. In a tale of caution, tragedy and revenge, Hamlet is driven to madness by his mission and his father's legacy. Michael Sheen stars as Hamlet, with...

To celebrate a hundred years since Sylvia Beach published James Joyce’s Ulysses, and to encourage readers to engage (or re-engage) with this spirited, funny, life-changing book, Shakespeare and Company, Paris—in partnership with Penguin Classics and Hay Festival—created an ensemble recording of the unabridged text, released as a free podcast between the centenary of the publication on 2nd February 2022 and Bloomsday on June 16 2022.Read by more than a hundred writers, artists, comedians and musicians from all over the world— including Sally Rooney, Margaret Atwood, Stephen Fry, Pete...

In this BBC full-cast production, Othello is drawn further and further into jealous rage by the manipulative Iago. In this story of evil cunning perverting a once noble mind, radio captures Iago's sly hints and boasts to the audience with shocking clarity. The listener is led along an emotional...

In Shakespeare's most controversial play, the opposing values of justice and mercy must be resolved. Antonio promises money to help his friend Bassanio woo Portia. He borrows the sum needed from the cruel Shylock, but there will be a dreadful penalty if the loan is not repaid. The golden world of Portia's Belmont calls forth some of Shakespeare's most lyrical love poetry. But the dark shadow of Shylock is never far from the heart of this brilliant comedy as it moves toward its courtroom climax.