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 2025 we’re 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 a whole lot 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!
WHAT ARE SHAKESPEARE’S SHORTS?
Shakespeare’s Shorts are energetic adaptations of the famous original texts performed by a troupe of 4 – 5 classically trained actors. Expect musical interludes, dance numbers, gentle audience participation, and plenty of wooden-sword-wielding-fun!
Each show is completely portable and adaptable, designed to be performed in a variety of public and private venues. We bring everything we need, require no microphones, and can perform in just a 5m x 5m space. Each ‘short’ runs for approximately 40 minutes.
IS IT FOR ME?
The short answer is yes!
Whether you love Shakespeare or loathe Shakespeare Shakespeare’s Shorts is for you. Each ‘short’ can be tailored to audiences of all ages and backgrounds and every show is designed to be engaging, entertaining and highly accessible – no prior Shakespeare knowledge required!
Fill out this booking form to bring Shakespeare’s Shorts to your community or corporate event or email Lillian 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
For info on bringing Shakespeare’s Shorts to your school, email Leah at education@qldshakespeare.org
Meet the 2025 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
Dudley Powell – Macbeth
Meg Bennett – Lady Macbeth/Witch
Rebecca Murphy- 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
Angus Thorburn – Romeo, Lady Capulet
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.”