Review: SH!T-FACED SHAKESPEARE: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Leicester Square Theatre

Photo credit: Andrew AB Photography

Sh!tf-faced Shakespeare demands you leave even the slightest notion that a Shakespearean play could be boring at the door. A beautifully chaotic blend of the Bard, cabaret and pantomime, Sh!t-faced Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a truly unforgettable night out at Leicester Square Theatre.

The premise is simple; a group of classically trained actors stage a tongue-in-cheek version of the beloved Shakespearean text, however, one of the cast members is drunk. Very drunk. To avoid a health and safety nightmare, the inebriated actor, along with the general progression of the play itself, are guided by outstandingly fun compère Beth-Louise Priestly, who ensures nobody falls off the stage and is on hand to mop up any pints of beer that the drunken cast member may spill. A twist in the compère’s role, however, is that with the help of the audience, they are also responsible for increasing the levels of drunken frivolity. With props and audience interaction a plenty, the front row is to be avoided if you’re wanting to keep a low profile, but the interactive nature of the show is lighthearted and playful.

The Sh!t-faced Shakespeare cast member of the night was Julia Bird (playing the role of Hermia), who was delightfully nonsensical from the start. The beauty of the show truly lies in the cast’s rapport and improvisational skills, as you can clearly see they are having just as much fun as we are. It’s safe to say that even without the element of inebriation, the performance would still be a silly and, at times, somewhat naughty version of the Shakespearean classic. Charlie Keable (Puck) brings sharp, witty improvisations which keep the audience on their toes, and a notable moment of the play is when the cast wear green morph suits and tutus to perform a choreographed dance, which then ultimately descends into what can only be described as a ‘fairy orgy’.

Props and set design are simple - the audience aren't here for a high-brow adaptation, they’re here for the calamity. This isn’t a show with a cohesive plot but it doesn’t pretend to be either, and although die-hard lovers of traditional Shakespeare might struggle, it’s virtually impossible to keep a straight face watching the chaos unfold.

Hilarious, bold and ridiculous in the very best way; this is a show you will want to recommend time and time again.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Chess Hayden

Sh!t-faced Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream plays at Leicester Square Theatre until 7 September. For more information, please click here.