The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is a standout comedic masterpiece. Presented by QPAC, Woodward Productions and Neil Gooding Productions, this play plays with Shakespeare in such a clever way. Watching this production feels like stepping back in time to the Globe Theatre in Shakespeare’s day. I left with an aching stomach from all the laughing and a beaming smile on my face.
The Cremorne Theatre is the perfect home for this production. Set designer Penny Challen has created a classic and understated set. The brilliant backdrop allows for no distraction as the incredibly talented actors bring everything out onto the stage and leave absolutely nothing behind.
The trio of Amy Ingram, Stephen Hirst, and Tomas Pocilujko shine from start to finish. Each brings a unique energy to the stage, and together they are relentless and fearless in their pursuit of laughs. The play is a challenge in itself, claiming to fit all of Shakespeare’s 37 plays in just 97 minutes. It is no easy feat. However, each scene, each wig change and lighting mishap just adds to this messy delight.
The lighting itself feels like a character, with the brilliant Declan O’Neill crafting a pointed lighting design for the show to be framed around. The effect brings warmth to the room and includes the audience in their jokes.
This is, of course, all pieced together by Darren Gilshenan’s brilliant direction. You simply have to be a talented comedic genius to pull off this script. And it is such a wonderful thing to behold. The timing and tone lift the performance from what could have been awkward to really intelligent. What many plays have gotten wrong, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) has gotten just right.
There is an element of audience participation. Yes, the dreaded audience participation. The intimate nature of the Cremorne is just right for the actors to pluck anyone they wish from the audience to participate in this play.
Shakespeare’s work can often be overshadowed with an elitist twinge. The everyday person does not want to even attempt to decode the master’s work. However, this production invites the audience into a world that is silly and just delightful, without making anyone feel as if they need a Drama degree to understand it.
This show might not appeal to all, and Shakespeare in the modern day rarely does anymore. However, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is a diamond in the rough. It is a piece that is unabashedly itself. It educates and inspires, and more than anything, it is hilarious, giving life to Shakespeare’s words.
In the end, this is Shakespeare without the footnotes or the formality — bold, bonkers, and brilliantly alive. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or someone who hasn’t cracked a Bard text since high school, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is pure entertainment. It doesn’t just parody the classics, it opens the door to them, reminding us that these works were always meant to be shared, laughed at, and lived in.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is a joyously chaotic love letter to theatre, and you’ll leave feeling smarter, sillier, and very, very happy.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) runs from 15 May to 8 June at the Cremorne Theatre, QPAC.
Tickets: https://qpac.n.qtix.com.au/tickets/series/completeworksofshakespeare25
Website: https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2025/the-complete-works-of-william-shakespeare-abridged
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/atqpac/
Photo credits: Morgan Roberts
