Reviews

This comedy (mostly, and some bits are indeed very funny indeed) is also a little cruel in the way it is easy for comedy to slip into.
I won’t do a summary, that is available on line if you are interested, but I liked the comedy parts more than the more serious elements. This surprises me because I do tend to prefer the tragedies. As always, there is so much in this play that made me realise how much of our thoughts, language and literature today owes to Shakespeare.
After reading the play I watched the very very excellent 2018 film directed by Adam Smethurst. I think this play, even more than others I have read this year, is better performed and the comedy, while funny to read, was extremely hilarious in this production.
As always, reading the play first and getting a good understanding of the language works much better for me. It is a little slower than just watching but I think you miss some of the nuance by just watching. These RSC paperback editions have such helpful notes for the words and phrases that are not used or are differently used now.
This wasn’t my favourite but it was definitely worth reading. Anyway… onward with my Shakespeare journey. A Winters Tale next.

jenlin18's review against another edition

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3.0

I enjoyed listening to the BBC’s radio production of this play. It was mildly amusing, but if you’ve read Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, then you’ve basically read this one.

awils_343's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

hillonahill's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

supermormongirl's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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