FAN REACTION: Shakespeare Live! From The RSC



Saturday night saw Shakespearean extravaganza, Shakespeare Live!, broadcast on BBC Two and in cinemas across the UK.
Hosted by David Tennant and Catherine Tate, and screened live from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, the star-studded show marked 400 years since the death of the Bard and celebrated Shakespeare’s plays and their enduring influence on music, dance, opera, musical theatre and comedy.
RSC Artistic Director, Gregory Doran, assembled a once-in-a-lifetime cast, including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ian McKellen, Joseph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch, Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Al Murray, Alison Moyet, Noma Dumezweni, Ian Bostridge, Rufus Wainwright, Tim Minchin, Paapa Essiedu, Pippa Nixon, Alexandra Gilbreath, Akala (Hip Hop Shakespeare), The Royal Ballet, English National Opera (ENO), The Orchestra of the Swan, and Birmingham Royal Ballet, to perform in a unique tribute to the genius and influence of the world’s greatest playwright and storyteller.

Over 1 million people in the UK tuned in to BBC Two to watch live.
Here are a selection of comments on the show from our readers:

Helen Wimpenny 
It was the best tv spectacle I have seen for ages. Absolutely fantastic. Am so pleased to be have been given a wider insight in to Shakespeare. David and Catherine did a fantastic job hosting. Participating too. The sketch had me in a heap. Bits of humour music dance. I look at hip hop differently now. I think everyone involved will never forget a memorable event.

Nichelle Rae Gracious. 
Only in Britain do they celebrate classical greats like Shakespeare who deserve it after 400 years...where in America, crap like Kardashian's and Trump are worshiped. I need a one way plane ticket to the UK. Anyone got a line on apartments and receptionist jobs available there?

Veronica Prockter 
Fantastic show...thank you to all involved for a wonderful evening in tribute to THE BARD.

Jacqui Gregory 
Great show. Stellar list of great actors on stage at the RSC..

Liz Savage 
We need more of this not just on the Bard's anniversary!

Hannah Reddy 
A well thought out programme. Was lovely to see such a mix of actors too. Judi Dench with Al Murray and the actress playing Juliet played Wendy at Stratford earlier this year.

Jr Poole 
Facebook and video allowing the world to share experiences. When David and Catherine walked out I nearly stood up and applauded but I'm at home, in Pittsburgh, watching on my iPhone.

Siân Gambrell 
David makes a fantastic Puck. A great ending to a brilliant show!

Trish Bailey 
Loved this ... Such a treat, and such a great reminder of the beauty of words spoken well.

Wilma Stark
It was a superb show, whole thing and all very accessible.

Bev Kingscote-Davies 
David Tennant has such an innate understanding of the lyrical quality of Shakespeare 's language. He makes it sound so natural without spilling over into the often forced, overacting style so many other talented actors seem to feel is needed.

Zanthea Mitchell 
Absolutely loved this bit. Whole programme was amazing. Thankyou to everyone involved. Definitely the best Saturday night viewing for a long time!!

Emma Fernández 
In spain we celebrate the Cervantes anniversary (and the book's day) but is very boring. Brits knows how do it with Shakespeare, well done!

Maggie Prince Taylor 
Excellent night of the Bard!!

Linda Howlett 
It was brilliant and when Prince Charles came on. 

Andrea Hall 
Excellent.. I watched all of it.. Something for everyone and soo diverse.. I never got to do Shakespeare at school I did get to see Alan Rickman playing Hamlet at The Playhouse in Nottingham. but this totally cracked me up.. Thanks.

Anne Moseley 
A collection of our best! Missing Patrick Stewart! Loved the surprise at the end!
An awesome bit of telly!

The show will be released on DVD in the UK on 23rd May. Click here to pre order today!











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