Every season of Playing Shakespeare ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons of Playing Shakespeare!

Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

The Two Traditions

John Barton and company examine blank verse. Its strengths and particularities are discussed in great detail. Members of the cast try out various readings.

Using the Verse

John Barton and the cast discuss how Shakespeare defines his character by the language they speak, and how the characters attempt to achieve their aims by means of what they say and how they say it.

Language and Character

John Barton and members of the RSC present a workshop on how Shakespeare used the soliloquy to directly connect the character with the audience.

Speeches and Soliloquies

John Barton and the RSC actors consider the subtle shadings produced by irony, ambiguity and sarcasm, and how best to express them.

Irony and Ambiguity

Hamlet's advice to the players is the best-known acting instruction in theatrical history. John Barton and the RSC actors explore this essential mandate to be both natural and intellectual.

Passion and Coolness

John Barton and the actors analyze a scene from Twelfth Night, identifying pointers towards character and staging.

Rehearsing the Text

Exploring a Character

The bard's unparalleled poetry is celebrated and examined in its glory.

Poetry and Hidden Poetry

John Barton holds a master class in how to play Shakespeare, using members of the RSC doing scenes, sonnets, and commentary as prime examples.

The Best Seasons of Playing Shakespeare

The Best Seasons of Playing Shakespeare

Season 1