Next week, an all-new Australian production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) will premiere at QPAC. The Scoop had the chance to sit down with Amy Ingram, taking on many of the Bard’s iconic roles as part of a cast of three. Amy talks all things Shakespeare, including the joys of comedic characters and preparing for a high energy show. Read the full interview below.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) sees all 37 of his works performed by three actors in 97 minutes. What are some of the joys of bringing a play like this to the stage?
I think the joy comes from trying to cram all of Shakespeare’s works into just 97 minutes. It naturally creates this delightful sense of chaos. You get to play around, have fun, and bounce off the other actors while creating funny characters. It’s been great to dive in and see what sticks and what doesn’t. The show has a kind of organised chaos to it, which makes it a lot of fun.
In preparation for the show, did you have to read a lot of Shakespeare? Or did you draw on some prior knowledge of his works?
I have done a bit of Shakespeare in the past. So prior knowledge was helpful but then for some of it, I just had to remind myself, oh yes, that’s what this play is about and that’s what happens here. Just to understand the plot lines for them all. We jump around a lot, and we reimagine Shakespeare in certain ways, so we have a bit of creative license.
With so much physical comedy, how do you keep up your energy for such a fast-paced show?
The rehearsal period itself is like a training ground for building the stamina needed to get through the show. You start to develop your own kind of show fitness, which is great. Then there are certain sections where I have to think, ‘Alright, deep breath,’ because the next seven minutes are going to be non-stop. But it always goes by so quickly, and before I know it, we’re at the end. In a way, the show itself gives me the energy I need to get through it.
What do you think are some of the benefits of using comedy to introduce new audiences to Shakespeare?
I think comedy is a natural way in for people because comedy is all about context. There are things you can recognise and everybody can relate to, especially when trying to achieve the unachievable. I think comedy is just a really great natural collector of people. It’s something all people want sometimes, just to have a laugh. To have an escape and feel some joy for 97 minutes and not think about the outside world. This production really lets people sit back and go for a ride.
Do you prefer to play comedic characters? I recently saw you in Pride and Prejudice, and I loved the difference between the depth you brought to Charlotte versus a character like Mrs Bingley.
To be honest, I love both. I think there’s something to be found in both tragic and comedic characters. I do enjoy those darker comedic characters like Mrs Bingley. And the characters that flip between both, that have pure tragic moments, but then turn it on its head, so you’re laughing at them but also maybe feeling bad about it. I always really enjoy roles where the comedy stabs the knife in and gives it a little bit of a twist. There’s such a release with comedy that I think is so much fun. Perhaps that’s why I tend to be drawn to it a lot.
Is there a role or full length production in Shakespeare’s works on your own personal bucket list?
One day, I think Lady Macbeth would definitely be great. Just getting to play that kind of villainy. Shakespeare’s baddies are really fun! I’d even like to give Iago in Othello a go, as that’s where the fun lies, with the villains.
What can people expect when they come and see this all-new Australian version of the show?
Just come in with an open mind and heart, ready to have a good time. Sit back, enjoy the ride, and let it all kind of happen around you.
What advice would you give to any young person wanting to get into the industry?
I think it’s just about finding your people that you can do things with. Classes you like to take, teachers that you want to learn with. It’s finding the things that naturally give you an in, things you love, that’s what’s going to make it easier for you to pursue.
You don’t have to go to university to get a degree, but I would definitely recommend seeking out classes and activities and shows that give you the experience to take it to the next level. Also, find like-minded actors, ones who you can just read plays with together, and put on weird shows.
The more you say ‘yes’ early in your career, the better. Then as you get older, you can start to be more discerning and start to say no. But I think you’ve got to say yes a lot at first because you need as much experience as possible. And it’s all of those yeses that give you the connections and the experience.
You never know what’s going to come from one project to the next. The person you meet in a theatre foyer might actually be the person that gives you your next opportunity. So it’s just about keeping your ear to the ground.
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/ and https://www.instagram.com/amyanneingram/
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is presented by QPAC, Woodward Productions and Neil Gooding Productions. Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. Directed by Darren Gilshenan. Starring Amy Ingram, Stephen Hirst and Tomas Pocilujko.
Photo credits: Kyle Head
