Shakespeare's Shorts

Think again if you think you don't have time for Shakespeare.

Back again in 2010, the ever-popular Shakespeare's Shorts continues to perform for events and festivals through the year.

Shakespeare's Shorts are fast and funny half-hour versions of the original scripts, delivered with QSE's trademark clarity and accessibility, and featuring trained, experienced actors. Each of the Shorts also features gentle audience participation to get you into the action.

The Half-Hour Hamlet takes out all the procrastination - the tragedy is performed in 20 minutes, then in 7 minutes, and again in just 3.

Instant Romeo & Juliet turns the tragedy of the star-crossed lovers into a high-paced comedy with plenty of wooden-sword-buckling.

The half-hour pieces have been specifically designed to be performed in a variety of public and private venues, are entirely portable and adaptable:

  • Our approach makes Shakespeare fun, accessible and easy to understand.
  • Our actors are professional and experienced.
  • All of our shows include some gentle audience interaction.
  • We can tailor the Shorts to suit different age-groups, from kids to adults.
  • We bring everything that's needed with us - sets, props and costumes.
  • No mics are required; our actors undergo voice-training and arrive warmed-up.
  • Our performance space requirements are a mere 5m x 5m minimum.

Would you like to bring the Shorts to your community or corporate event?

Send your request to shakespeareshorts@qldshakespeare.org.

Wonderfully fun & energetic performances,
all our guests enjoyed it immensely!
- Athena Corbally, Jester Hill Wines

Multimedia

Photos from Shakespeare's Shorts productions in 2008

2010 Cast and Crew

Director: Paul Adams

The Half-Hour Hamlet
Stephen Mackie - Claudius, Ghost
Claire Pearson - Gertrude, Ophelia
Ben Prindable - Laertes, Marcellus
Colin Smith - Horatio, Polonius
Liz Verbraak - Hamlet

Instant Romeo & Juliet
Claire Pearson - Apothecary, Juliet, Prince
Ben Prindable - Friar Laurence, Mercutio
Colin Smith - Lady Capulet, Romeo
Liz Verbraak - Balthasar, Nurse, Tybalt

Understudies
Stephen Mackie - Lady Capulet, Romeo
Rebecca Murphy - Apothecary, Juliet, Prince
Rob Pensalfini - Claudius, Ghost
Daniel Poole - Laertes, Marcellus
Colin Smith - Friar Laurence, Mercutio

Upcoming Performances

October

The Half-Hour Hamlet at the Shakespeare on Oxford Festival

Venue: TBC

Date: Sunday, October 24
Time: 11am

Tickets: Free

Previous Performances

Previous Shorts have included:

  • The closing of the historic Avalon Theatre in St. Lucia
  • The University of Queensland's Open Days and 2010 Centenary celebrations
  • A corporate development event for the international Young Presidents Organization
  • Abbey Tournament - medieval fayre
  • Chermside, Sunnybank, Mt Gravatt and Indooroopilly public libraries
  • Various schools throughout Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast
  • Brookfield Country Show
  • Jester Hill Wines
  • The Queensland Multicultural Festivals
  • Queensland Young Lawyers Association and Queensland Law Society functions
  • Maleny Arts Council
  • Woodford Folk Festival
  • Surfers Paradise Festival

How good do I feel, having my children
tell their mates that Shakespeare's cool!
- audience member at Instant Romeo & Juliet, 2006