Brevity is the Soul of Wit: A Fresh Take on Shakespeare arrives at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

A fast, funny and fearless celebration of the Bard arrives at Theatre by the Lake (TBTL) in June with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged); an irreverent, high-speed romp through all 37 plays and 154 sonnets in one unforgettable performance.

Created 45 years ago by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, the show has become a global phenomenon, enjoying a remarkable nine-year, 3,744-performance West End run and touring internationally. Now, it returns in a brand-new production for 2026, directed and co-written by Long, launching a 30-venue UK tour – its largest to date.

This fresh staging features a dynamic new cast; Efé Agwele, Woogie Jung and Tom Pavey, and Shakespeare Super Swing, Kiran Raywilliams, selected from more than 2,400 applicants. True to the show’s roots, each performance is driven by the unique chemistry and creativity of its performers.

“The show is something that spontaneously happens onstage in front of an audience, stemming from the creativity and imagination of the three actors on view,” says Adam Long. “I’m excited about the actors we’ve got – they’re incredibly smart and funny.”

Audiences can expect a whirlwind of comic invention: Hamlet performed backwards, Othello set to ukulele, Titus Andronicus reimagined as a chaotic cooking show, and the history plays transformed into a frantic football match. From tragic heartbreak to magical mischief, no corner of Shakespeare’s canon is left untouched.

For Agwele, the show speaks directly to contemporary audiences. “We live in an age of ‘tell me everything in the short form’ and people wanting to know everything in as little time as possible,” she says. “Watch some Shakespeare and head home in time for a new episode of The Traitors.”

Despite its playful approach, the production is rooted in a deep affection for Shakespeare’s work. “People just love Shakespeare’s stories and his characters and anything that celebrates Shakespeare,” says Long.

Packed with wit, energy and theatrical ingenuity, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare(abridged) offers something for everyone. As Jon Stewart’s Daily Show famously put it: “If you like Shakespeare, you’ll love this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show!”

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare(abridged) plays at Theatre by the Lake Tuesday 16 – Thursday 18 June. Tickets are available here.