This year, Shakespeare’s Shorts will tour on-demand throughout Brisbane and beyond, bringing some of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies to festivals, schools, and events in hilarious short-form.

In 2024 we’ll be offering…

EXPRESS MACBETH

This pacey performance spins the murder, betrayal, and madness of the Scottish Play into a tale of fun, frivolity, and…. well, madness!

INSTANT ROMEO & JULIET

This lively show turns the classic tragedy into a high-paced comedy complete with star-crossed lovers and plenty of wooden-sword-wielding!

HALF-HOUR HAMLET

This highly physical production takes out all the procrastination – the tragedy is performed in 20 minutes, then in 7 minutes, and again in just 3!

BUT WHAT IS IT?

Shakespeare’s Shorts are energetic versions of the famous original texts, performed by a group of 4 – 5 classically trained actors, complete with musical interludes, dance numbers, some gentle audience participation and wooden-sword-wielding!

Each show is entirely portable and adaptable, designed to be performed in a variety of public and private venues. We bring everything that’s needed with us, have no need for microphones and require a mere 5m x 5m performance space. Each ‘short’ runs for approximately 40 mins.

IS IT FOR ME?

The short answer is yes!

Whether you hate Shakespeare, love Shakespeare or fear Shakespeare, Shakespeare’s Shorts is for you. The shows are tailored to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making Shakespeare not only engaging and entertaining for all, but highly accessible and easy to understand – even if you’re completely new to it!

Heading into 2022, we strive to continue to break down the perception of Shakespeare as high-brow and elitist, allowing audience to connect with works that might previously have felt out of reach. Shakespeare is for everyone!

Fill out this booking form to bring Shakespeare’s Shorts to your community or corporate event or email Leah at shakespeareshorts@qldshakespeare.org for more info!

“This show was one of the coolest/ happiest/ unique things I’ve seen at any markets for ages! My kids and I loved it”

The Gap Farmer’s Markets, 2017

For info on bringing Shakespeare’s Shorts to your school click here.

Meet the 2024 Team

Director: Rebecca Murphy 

Half-Hour Hamlet

Rebekah Schmidt – Hamlet

Leah Mustard – Horatio, Polonius

Angus Thorburn – Claudius, Ghost

Rebecca Murphy – Gertrude, Ophelia

Meg Bennett – Laertes, Marcellus

Express Macbeth 

Angus Thorburn – Macbeth

Meg Bennett – Lady Macbeth/Witch

Dudley Powell – Banquo / Ross / Messenger

Lillian Duggan – Macduff / Murderer / Messenger / Witch 

Instant Romeo & Juliet

Rebekah Schmidt- Mercutio, Friar Laurence

Leah Mustard – Prince, Juliet, Apothecary

Rebecca Murphy – Tybalt, Nurse, Balthasar

Dudley Powell – Romeo, Lady Capulet

Upcoming Shows
Past Performances
  • The closing of the historic Avalon Theatre in St. Lucia
  • Fringe Brisbane
  • Woodford Folk Festival
  • Anywhere Festival
  • The University of Queensland’s Open Days and 2010 Centenary celebrations
  • Young Presidents Organization
  • Abbey Tournament – medieval fayre
  • Chermside, Sunnybank, Mt Gravatt and Indooroopilly public libraries
  • Various schools throughout Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, and Far North Queensland
  • Brookfield Country Show
  • Jester Hill Wines
  • The Queensland Multicultural Festivals
  • Queensland Young Lawyers Association and Queensland Law Society functions
  • Maleny Arts Council
  • Surfers Paradise Festival
  • The 4MBS Shakespeare Festivals
  • UQ Theatre Festival 2018
  • Davies Park Markets
  • The Gap Farmer’s Markets
  • St John’s Cathedral
Reviews

Shakespeare’s Shorts at the 2012 Anywhere Theatre Festival – “Shakespeare wrote for the people, and Queensland Shakespeare play for the people.”

Pick & (re)Mix at the 2022 Fringe Brisbane – “a very accessible bite-sized way into Shakespeare’s work. It’s all lots of fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously.”