Fast and fun, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) will run at Zabeel Theatre next month.
Love, betrayal, power, jealousy — Shakespeare’s masterful storytelling has long offered timeless insights into the endlessly complex human condition, but for a downright outrageous take on the English playwright, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is absolutely unmissable. Running at Zabeel Theatre at Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah from 21 to 24 May, this globally acclaimed production is returning to Dubai with extra Shakespeary bits and brand-new (still rubbish) gags for 2025.
Audiences are in for 97 minutes of non-stop laughter as it delivers an irreverent, fast-paced romp through all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays like you’ve never seen them before. So what’s in store? Othello as a rap song, Titus Andronicus reimagined as a cooking show, and The Histories transformed into an epic American football game for starters. “It’s Shakespeare that would make the great man turn in his grave, with a grin on his face,” say event organisers. Not invested enough to sit through Hamlet for four hours? No need. At this upcoming production, you can catch it performed backwards in half a minute. Shakespeare has never been so fast, furious, and fun.
The production is directed by John Payton, and produced by Lucy Magee of West End Worldwide, the company behind over 50 of the UAE’s most successful productions including The Woman in Black, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, and Blood Brothers. As for the stellar cast of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)? London-based actor Robbie Capaldi (known for his West End debut in Do You Believe in Ghosts?) will take on the role of Red. He is joined by Christopher Laishley (whose impressive Shakespearean credits include Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and James Gulliford (known for his roles in West Side Story and The LadyKillers). Together, they promise to bring a whirlwind of hilarity to the stage.
“We are beyond excited to have Robbie Capaldi, Christopher Laishley, and James Gulliford leading The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” adds Magee. “This show is packed with fast-paced comedy, silliness, audience participation, and just the right amount of innuendo. All 37 plays, condensed into one hilarious evening, make for a much-loved comedy that once held the title of London’s longest-running comedy. It’s going to be a night of joy and laughter that you won’t want to miss!”
Starting at AED 200, tickets are available via Virgin Tickets and Platinumlist.
Discover: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Zabeel Theatre, Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. @westendworldwide
