To Be or...To Be?
Updated: Jul 17
Several years ago, I came across an absolutely brilliant comedy sketch from a British special on behalf, I believe, of the Royal Shakespeare Company, called Shakespeare Live! Unfortunately, for reasons unknown to Man, when it got uploaded, it was only part of the script, intercut with an interview with the fellow who wrote it, discusses how he came up with the idea. It was a good interview, but I wanted to see full sketch. That said, as funny and smart and clever as it was even while being edited down, speaks loudly to how terrific the sketch was.
And the other day, I found the full sketch! And as funny and smart and clever as it was in the edited version, it’s so much better here. I love this sketch. The writing and the performance, the little, off-handed quips, it’s wonderful. I shall say no more about it, other than I want to identify the fellow who walks on stage 10 seconds in and has a big part here (but might not be all that recognized). His name is Tim Minchin, a musician, comedian and songwriter, who wrote the hit show Matilda the Musical.
(For those with very good memories, I did post the full sketch 10 years ago when someone uploaded it online, but the quality was pretty better. The quality here is impeccable, which the sketch deserves.)
And that’s all you need. And you didn’t even need that, but I thought it would be nice to know.
One suggestion: if you can avoid reading the full title of this video before clicking on it, and as you watch the sketch, some of the humor won't be given away. (HINT: Once the video starts, if you don't move your mouse, the title will disappear after a few seconds.) Highly recommended.
BONUS: In that original excerpt video I posted a while back, it was interspersed with an interview with the writer of the sketch, Gregory Dolan, who talks about how he came up with the idea and how the stage version all came together. It's very enjoyable, so for those interested, here it is --
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