Dungeons and Shakespeare is presented by Best Medicine Productions and is showing at the Gilded Balloon Patter House (Other Yin). Created by Shelby Bond, it is the result of a love of Dungeons & Dragons and the works of William Shakespeare. This show features audience participation, although not every audience member needs to participate.
From the outset, Bond is charismatic and entertaining, demonstrating brilliant comic timing and the ability to think on his feet and respond wittily and quickly to whatever is thrown his way. Bond explains the principles of D&D simply but surprisingly thoroughly to those in the audience who do not fully understand it. It is clear he cares deeply for these two worlds that he combines with an exceptionally clever and well-composed prologue.
The knowledge of both source materials displayed is considerable and the setting is remarkably well constructed considering how dependent it is on the level of participation from the audience. The show’s greatest strength has the potential to also be its greatest weakness and that is the quality of the audience participation. Regardless of the quality of participation, without Bond’s charming personality and quick mental reflexes, Dungeons and Shakespeare would utterly fall apart. As it is, the deceptively straightforward yet skilful architecture of the piece draws the audience in, whether as participants or observers. Bond’s guidance is a steady, compelling force driving the adventure to a conclusion that is never guaranteed.
Ultimately, Dungeons and Shakespeare does what it says on the scroll, taking a wide array of Shakespeare characters and giving them, and the audience, a chance to embark on a great adventure featuring a considerable selection of creatures given the opportunity to have their voices heard too. This show is an absolute joy and pleasure to interact with, and Bond’s performance is a masterclass in relational comedy, endearing him to the audience in seconds.
Listings and ticket information can be found hereÂ
