(Photo Credit: Grande Prairie Live Theatre)

By Nathaniel Leigh

GPLT

The Complete Works of William Shakspere runs at Grande Prairie Live Theatre Mar. 27-Apr. 12

Mar 27, 2025 | 4:15 PM

The next show in Grande Prairie Live Theatre’s current season is a hilarious celebration of one the greatest playwrights in history.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, follows a troupe of actors as they attempt to perform all of The Bard’s classic comedies and tragedies in less then two hours, resulting in pure chaos and tons of laughs.

Director Caitlin Card says she first learnt of the show when she was 14 years old and has been eager to bring it to Grande Prairie.

“This show takes Shakespeare’s’ works and make them it really accessible, really distilled, really funny, even the tragedies,” she says. “It sort of helps us understand and enjoy these plays, without having any previous knowledge of Shakespeare. That’s one of the things I love about it.”

Card says she is proud of her cast and crew, as well as their set, designed by local artist Roxanne Gordey.

“It’s been a very collaborative process with the set, [Roxanne] has been involved through the entire process,” she says. “The set is like a funhouse version of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, but if this troupe of actors put their own spin on it. It has a lot of references to the actual Globe Theatre, so there’s a lot of easter eggs in there.”

She says the show’s cast and crew have made a hilarious production for everyone, regardless of how familiar you may or not be with Shakespeare’s repertoire.

(Photo Credit: Grande Prairie Live Theatre)

“The show is hilarious, it’s fast paced, it’s a great night out at the theatre,” she says. “And to boot, it’s a great introduction to Shakespeare. You will enjoy this show whether you love Shakespeare, hate Shakespeare and know nothing about Shakespeare. There’s something for everyone.”

The play features fast paced comedy, physical stunts and even some audience participation.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged runs at every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at GPLT March 27 to April 12, show time is 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for opening night March 27 are sold for a lower price.