Two households, both alike in dignity
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unlean,
And booze makes one of the lovers rather quite mean!
Shit-faced Shakespeare are at it again, turning another Shakespeare classic into comedy gold as one of our leads is absolutely bladdered.
We join a cast of incredible, traditionally trained actors as they put on a condensed version of the well known play Romeo and Juliet, or at least they attempt to do so. Each night a different cast member will increase the difficulty of both their job and their peers by getting drunk, and if the audience doesn’t think them drunk enough more alcohol will simply be provided leaving you with a version of Romeo and Juliet like you’ve never seen before, and possibly some sober actors on the verge of a mental breakdown.
Whilst the drinker changes each night, with a rotating cast of actors, I had the joys of seeing Juliet (Beth- Louise Priestley) take the drunken baton and what a journey it was. Imagine Romeo and Juliet where Juliet is more interested in Paris, can’t stop kissing her fellow characters and then runs away with Benvolia (The female version of Benvolio in this production) leaving no tragic ending of death and sacrifice for love, but instead a confused and rejected Romeo. Despite her co-stars best efforts to keep the show on track we were left with a comical mix of Shakespeare and panic. It was even a wonder as to whether they would reach the end of the show at all as Beth- Louise repeatedly broke into monologues about cast members or how attractive the audience member chose as Paris was.
You won’t find a show quite like Shit-faced Shakespeare, it’s an event not to be missed. Who knows what could happen? You may think you know Shakespeare; you may think you know Romeo and Juliet, but I have no doubt you won’t know the version that’s about to unfold in front of you at this show, and honestly neither will the cast.
Shit-faced Shakespeare runs 9th August until 27th August (excluding 21st) at 22:00 at Pleasance EICC.
Buy tickets at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/sh-t-faced-shakespeare-romeo-and-juliet
Reviewer: Beth Eltringham
Reviewed: 9th August 2023
North West End UK Rating: