Blackadder Specials Episode 16 The Shakespeare Sketch 2024
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This non-canonical sketch was performed on stage at the Sadlers Wells Theatre on 18 September 1989. It was written for and performed at an AIDS benefit concert directed by Stephen Fry, and features Rowan Atkinson as a Blackadder-esque character chatting with Hugh Laurie as "Bill" Shakespeare, talking about cutting various sections of Hamlet – in particular the "To be or not to be" soliloquy. Ultimately, Blackadder talks Shakespeare down from an over-long speech to the familiar 'snappy' phrase. The sketch was available on video as part of Hysteria 2 – The Second Coming, released by Palace Video on 21 May 1990
- Released: 1989-09-18
- Runtime: 32 minutes
- Genre: Comedy, War & Politics
- Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie, Tim McInnerny, Stephen Fry
- Director: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis, John Lloyd, Chris Wadsworth
- Source: CWR-CRB
