In London, three actors escape a huge fire at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in 1613, and by some miracle, they find themselves, poor and hungry, in Milan. With Hamlet’s monologue, ‘to be or not to be’ ringing in their ears, they decide TO BE. They refuse to be beaten, and, in a bid to survive, they use their outstanding talent to perform some of Shakespeare’s greatest scenes from Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet and The Tempest. 

It’s the summer of 1613 and Shakespeare’s Globe theatre is burning down; a cannon has gone off during a performance of Henry V111, setting the wooden O alight. Burbage, John and Young, three actors and members of the King’s Men, witness the terrifying fire but manage to escape, carrying with them some of Shakespeare’s playscripts. After a miraculous journey through space, they find themselves in Milan, exhausted, penniless and very hungry. In a desperate bid to survive, they decide to perform scenes from Romeo and Juliet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet and The Tempest in the hope that people will reward them for their efforts. Some builders, who are working on the façade of Milan’s cathedral, down tools to watch the storm scene from The Tempest, but don’t give the actors a penny. Federico Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan, also watches the performance and voices his dissent. Still, when John collapses, the Archbishop gives the group their first food and drink in days. At the Royal Palace, Young meets Arlecchino, aka Tristano Martinelli, who puts the three actors through a tough audition. This celebrated Commedia dell’Arte performer demands fewer words and more physicality in their acting. The three learn fast, passing the test and performing one of the Mechanicals scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, for the Spanish Governor at Milan’s Royal Palace. During what is a lavish occasion to celebrate the wedding of the Governor’s daughter, the three are invited to a huge banquet. Their talent has been recognized and probably a better future is in the offing. 

Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits is an entertaining, thought-provoking show which is highly suitable for university and secondary school students. The Shakespeare scenes included in the play are all widely taught in schools. An education pack is available for teachers who want to bring students to see the play. We will be performing in a theatre or at your school.  

Dates: from November through to May. For more information about Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits and to reserve seats, write to: info@englishtheatremilan.org