one4review | On 18, Aug 2025

Shake It Up: The Improvised Shakespeare Show is a joyful feat of wit, imagination and theatrical daring. The premise sounds almost impossible: each afternoon the audience decides whether the company will deliver a comedy, tragedy, or history, and then the actors spin those suggestions into a fully-fledged Shakespearean play. But what could easily be a gimmick is instead a masterclass in improvisation.

The cast are extraordinary—quick-witted, inventive, and utterly convincing in their grasp of Shakespearean rhythm and language. Within minutes you forget that none of this was written down beforehand; it flows with the kind of confidence and coherence that usually takes months of rehearsal. The joy, of course, is in the unpredictability. Audience members are invited to throw out ideas, and watching the troupe weave them into the unfolding drama is as impressive as it is hilarious.

Though packed with clever wordplay and innuendo, the show never strays into inaccessible territory. It’s a production that works just as well for seasoned theatregoers as for families (suitable for ages 12+). The result is a show that feels both freshly, timelessly Shakespearean and very enjoyable. Not quite five stars—simply because it relies so heavily on the day’s luck—but still, an unmissable 4/5.

****

Reviewed by Claire and Nina

Gilded Balloon Patter House

3pm – 4pm Until Aug 25