Beyond Shakespeare
503 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 21 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsFrom the earliest drama in English, to the closing of the theatres in 1642, there was a hell of a lot of drama produced - and a lot of it wasn't by Shakespeare. Apart from a few noble exceptions these plays are often passed over, ignored or simply unknown. This podcast presents full audio productions of the plays, fragmentary and extant, that shaped the theatrical world that shaped our dramatic history.
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Episodes
30: The Devil is an Ass (Prologue)
December 10, 2018 10:15 - 1 minute - 1.79 MBThe Devil is an Ass (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to The Devil is an Ass by Ben Jonson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one. If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert C...
29: A Play of Love by John Heywood
November 30, 2018 18:18 - 1 hour - 76.3 MBA Full Cast Adaptation of A Play of Love by John Heywood . The power of love is explored in all variables in this rarely performed play by John Heywood. Four lovers (or non-lovers) meet and compare their pain and joy. Which is worse: to love someone and not be loved back, or to be loved by someone who you cannot stand? Which is better: to be in love and loved back, or to have a life free and single? This production is the penultimate part of the complete plays of John Heywood season. C...
28: God's Promises by John Bale - Act 2
November 15, 2018 13:02 - 7 minutes - 7.11 MBA plain text version of Act 2 of God's Promises written by protestant playwright John Bale in 1538. This act sees God talking to Noah, part of a procession of prophets, before finally preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus through speaking to John the Baptist. This is a follow up to a test recording made in 2013 and incorporates elements from that session and maintaining the basic style for continuity. As a plain text version, with no music or sound effects beyond the odd filter, it's pr...
27: Bartholomew Fair (Prologue)
November 14, 2018 09:43 - 1 minute - 1.02 MBBartholomew Fair (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to Bartholomew Fair by Ben Jonson - the prologue for the King. It has been recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one. If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare Prologue performed by Sara...
26: Courage, Kindness, Cleanness - A Fragment
November 06, 2018 10:07 - 3 minutes - 3.45 MBCourage, Kindness, Cleanness - A Fragment of a Lost Play. A lost fragment of a play from the 1530's/40's, only eight lines long - given as full a treatment as we could do at this time. Courage is played by Geir Madland, Kindness by Gillian Horgan and Cleanness by Heydn McCabe. Additional sound effects provided with Rob Myson. The presenter is Robert Crighton. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to ww...
25: Discussing: Staging Marlowe
October 31, 2018 17:49 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBDiscussing: Staging Marlowe with Lazarus Theatre Company Host Robert Crighton discusses with Ricky Dukes & Gavin Harrington-Odedra of Lazarus Theatre Company about their upcoming work on Doctor Faustus, as well as their past productions of other plays by Christopher Marlowe, including Edward II, Dido and Tamberlaine. Lazarus is an award-winning theatre company, re-imagining and revitalising classic work in visual, visceral and vibrant productions. Lazarus is currently in residence at the Gr...
24: God's Promises by John Bale - Act 4
October 26, 2018 10:35 - 8 minutes - 8.12 MBA plain text version of Act 4 of God's Promises written by protestant playwright John Bale in 1538. This act sees God talking to the prophet Moses, part of a procession of prophets, before finally preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus through speaking to John the Baptist. This is a follow up to a test recording made in 2013 and incorporates elements from that session and maintaining the basic style for continuity. As a plain text version, with no music or sound effects beyond the odd fi...
23: The Alchemist (Prologue)
October 24, 2018 11:08 - 2 minutes - 1.98 MBThe Alchemist (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to The Alchemist by Ben Jonson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one. If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton. Addit...
22: Discussing: The Playhouse
October 19, 2018 13:47 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MBDiscussing: The Playhouse (or Newington Butts) with Professor Laurie Johnson . Host Robert Crighton discusses with Laurie Johnson (Professor of English and Cultural Studies at the University of Southern Queensland) about The Playhouse, otherwise known as Newington Butts, and his book covering what happened there over eleven days in 1594. Shakespeare’s Lost Playhouse: Eleven Days at Newington Butts is available now from Routledge. To help follow the discussion of these eleven days in 1594, ...
20: A Tale of a Tub (Prologue)
October 17, 2018 08:01 - 1 minute - 982 KBA Tale of a Tub (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to A Tale of a Tub by Ben Jonson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not supplying one. If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton. Additional so...
19: D, G, T - A Fragment
October 08, 2018 11:30 - 3 minutes - 3.28 MBD, G, T (or, Tom, Dick & Gary) - A Fragment of a Lost Play. A lost fragment of a play, only ten lines long - given as full a treatment as we could do at this time. Dick is played by Heydn McCabe, Tom by Geir Madland and Gary by Rob Myson. The presenter is Robert Crighton. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare
18: Voted by You - Our Next Season
October 04, 2018 11:21 - 4 minutes - 4.52 MBIt's the results of the first ever public vote by our patrons has come in - full update of future shows, the new winter / spring season of shows. Four winning plays - and other news. Hosted by Robert Crighton - with additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk - To support our work go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare
17: Cain and Abel - Chester Mystery Cycle
September 25, 2018 07:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBCain and Abel, from the Chester Mystery Cycle, based on the second half of the Drapers Play. This full cast audio recording covers Adam teaching his children, their offerings to God, Abel's murder by Cain, and his leaving. Sound effects and musical stings are from https://www.zapsplat.com and http://www.freesfx.co.uk. Cast: God - Robert Crighton, Adam - Cecil Qadir, Eve - Annie Eddington, Abel - Andy Barrett and Cain - Richard Fawcett. Recorded at the Quay Theatre #earlyenglishdrama #myster...
16: Discussing: John Rastell
September 19, 2018 11:44 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBDiscussing: John Rastell, with John Thor Ewing - modern editor of Rastell's A Hundred Merry Tales, which is available now from all good book sellers. John Rastell was a huge influence on early modern drama, not only as a playwright (of The Four Elements and parts of Gentleness and Nobility) but more importantly as a publisher and stager of plays. His Jest Book, A Hundred Merry Tales, was an incredibly popular work of the time, and now has a spanking new edition edited by our guest. Host Robe...
15: God's Promises by John Bale - Act 1
September 04, 2018 12:47 - 9 minutes - 8.64 MBAn archive recording of Act 1 of God's Promises written by protestant playwright John Bale in 1538 (staged in 1547). This act sees God talking to the prophet Adam - he will speak with another five prophets, before finally preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus through speaking to John the Baptist. This was a follow up (recorded in 2015) to a test recording made in 2013 (incorporating elements from that session), to give us an idea of what would be needed to bring the play to life. It's c...
14: The Four P's by John Heywood
July 27, 2018 21:11 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBA Full Cast Adaptation of The Four P's by John Heywood Three travellers meet and pass the time arguing as to who is better at getting to heaven - the Palmer, for his pilgrimages, the Pardoner for his relics, or the Pothecary for his medicines. They are met by a Peddler, who persuades them to settle their disagreement by having a contest in something they are all suited at - lying. A couple of tall tales later, and the Peddler is ready to make his judgement. Otherwise known as The Four PP...
13: Gentleness and Nobility by John Heywood
July 27, 2018 12:16 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBA Full Cast Adaptation of Gentleness and Nobility by John Heywood and John Rastell A Knight overhears a Merchant boasting of his nobleness, sparking an argument between the two as to what is a gentleman. They are further interupted by a Ploughman, whose debating style is a little more… violent. With Rob Myson as the Merchant, Heydn McCabe as the Knight and Robert Crighton as the Ploughman. The Epilogue is Geir Madland. John Heywood exploring sessions can be found on our YouTube channel - ...
12: Discussing: The Roaring Girl
July 07, 2018 15:45 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBAn updated version of our Roaring Girl episode - with a discussion about the play with Professor Tracey Hill of Bath Spa University and host Robert Crighton. The prologue to The Roaring Girl by Middleton and Dekker is performed by Sarah Golding. Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk
11: Anything For A Quiet Life (Prologue)
June 24, 2018 19:31 - 1 minute - 1.3 MBAnything For A Quiet Life (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to Anything for a Quiet Life by Thomas Middleton & John Webster - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not supplying one. Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton. Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk
10: No Wit/Help Like A Woman's (Prologue)
June 15, 2018 13:37 - 2 minutes - 2.69 MBNo Wit / Help Like A Woman's (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to No Wit / Help Like A Womans, or The Almanac by Thomas Middleton - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not supplying one. Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk
9: The Roaring Girl (Prologue)
June 07, 2018 11:03 - 2 minutes - 2.26 MBThe Roaring Girl (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to The Roaring Girl by Thomas Middleton & Thomas Dekker - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not supplying one. Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, presented by Robert Crighton Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk
8: The Bloody Banquet (Prologue)
June 01, 2018 11:57 - 12 minutes - 12 MBThe Bloody Banquet (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to The Bloody Banquet by Thomas Middleton & Thomas Dekker, followed by a mix of the prologue with stage directions from the Inductio. Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, presented by Robert Crighton Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk
7: The Actors Remonstrance
May 18, 2018 13:05 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBThe Actors Remonstrance or Complaint for the silencing of their profession and banishment from their several playhouses - a satirical pamphlet written in January 1643 about the closing of the playhouses. We've taken the text at its word as to the setting. If it's too silly, we may put out a less fiddly version. Performed by Geir Madland and produced by Robert Crighton. Additional sound effects from www.zapsplat.com
6: An Ordinance for the Abolishing of All Stage Plays
May 11, 2018 09:39 - 7 minutes - 6.65 MBAn Ordinance for the Utter Suppression and Abolishing of All Stage Plays and Interludes - 1647 A reading of the ordinance that abolished stage plays in 1647 - the final podcast in our timeline, ironically one of the earliest recorded. Performed by Geir Madland and produced by Robert Crighton.
5: The Pardoner and the Friar by John Heywood
May 07, 2018 08:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBA Full Cast Adaptation of John Heywood's comedy, The Pardoner and the Friar. A Pardoner and a Friar arrive at a church to beg for alms - unfortunately at the same time, the each refusing to give way to the other. With increasing frustration they compete for the audiences attention, before things get more fraught with the arrival of the local Parson. With Rob Myson as the Friar and Heydn McCabe as the Pardoner. Also featuring Robert Crighton as the Parson and Simon Nader as Neighbour Prat. ...
4: From the Rehearsals for John John
April 28, 2018 11:18 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBFrom the Rehearsals for John John by John Heywood - Bonus Material to accompany the live recording, this is the first read through of the uncut play. As we had to make cuts for the live recording, it seemed only fair to release this read through of the uncut script. Due to the archive nature of the recording, audio quality varies. The readers are Sian Notley, Mark Jenner and Robert Crighton. For more information about this and other plays go to our blog - https://beyondshakespeare.blogspot....
3: Fragments - A Speech by 'Reason'
April 27, 2018 11:07 - 1 minute - 1.86 MBFragments - A Speech by 'Reason' by John Heywood There's a lost play by John Heywood from which only one short speech survives - a character called Reason who makes the argument that he is the most important part of Man. The play would probably have been allogorical, with characters named Reason, Man etc. personified on stage. Introduced by Robert Crighton, with text from the source read by Rob Myson and the speech by 'Reason' performed by Heydn McCabe.
2: John John by John Heywood
April 27, 2018 11:06 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBJohn John by John Heywood A Full Cast Audio Adaptation of 'A merry play between John John the husband, Tyb his wife, and Sir John the Priest' by John Heywood. John John believes his wife is having an affair with the local priest. He's right, but that doesn't mean he can't be tricked into inviting the priest to his home and eat his dinner. With Mark Jenner as John John, Sian Notley as Tyb and Robert Crighton as Sir John the priest. The Narrator was Heidi Bernhard-Bubb Recorded at the Qua...
1: Witty and Witless by John Heywood
April 27, 2018 11:05 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBWitty and Witless by John Heywood A Full Cast Adaptation of the Stage Play, part of the complete plays of John Heywood box set. Originally written as a play for the court of Henry VIII, this audio production resets the action to a pub, where three men try to decide whether a person is happier if they are clever or not. With Rob Myson as John, Heydn McCabe as James, and Robert Crighton as Jerome. The announcer is Simon Nader. For more information about this play, a transcript of the rehea...
21: The Durham Prologue
November 22, 2017 09:00 - 3 minutes - 2.91 MBThe Durham Prologue is all that survives of a lost play from the late 14th / early 15th century - performed by Sarah Golding and introduced by Robert Crighton
Adam and Eve - Chester Mystery Cycle
October 10, 2017 11:05 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBAdam and Eve from the Chester Mystery Cycle Based on the first half of the Drapers Play, this recording covers the creation of the world through to the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden. Sound effects and musical stings are from https://www.zapsplat.com and http://www.freesfx.co.uk under creative commons licence. Cast: God - Robert Crighton, Adam - Cecil Qadir, Demon - Trevor Laver, Eve - Annie Eddington. Recorded at the Quay Theatre #earlyenglishdrama #mysteryplay #chester ...
Duke Moraud: Live!
August 23, 2017 08:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBDuke Moraud: Live! Adapted by Robert Crighton with Simon Nader as The Duke. Based on the lost anonymous play, this is a recording of the live stage show from 2017. Originally Duke Moraud was a medieval morality play, hear it now as a comedy performed by Donald Trump! To listen to a more faithful version of the surviving fragments, or to hear more about the original play, go to the other podcasts on this list.
Duke Moraud: In Conversation
August 23, 2017 08:00 - 54 minutes - 50.4 MBDuke Moraud: In Conversation - discussion of the fragmentary play with cast member Simon Nader and producer Robert Crighton. Full audio recordings also available of the original text and the live version produced in 2017
Duke Moraud: Unedited Fragments
August 23, 2017 08:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBDuke Moraud: Unedited Fragments - the complete recording of all parts of the lost anonymous play. Written at the end of the 15th Century this morality tale tells the story of a Duke who has an incestuous affair with his daughter. This plain text version includes a performance of the surviving fragments with narrative links. Two additional podcasts on this play are also available - a live stage recording, treating the play as a comedy, and a discussion of the text with the producers.
God's Promises by John Bale - Act 6
March 05, 2016 11:56 - 7 minutes - 7.24 MBA rough recording of Act 6 of God's Promises written by protestant playwright John Bale in 1538. This act sees God talking to the prophet Esaias, preparing the way for the arrival of John the Baptist and eventually Jesus. This was a follow up (recorded early 2015) to a test recording made in 2013, to give us an idea of what would be needed to bring the play to life. It's closer to how we'd like to record work in the future, but still work in progress. Narrator - Annie Eddington, God - Robert...
Archive Recording: Medieval Mysteries 2
January 16, 2016 17:37 - 40 minutes - 37.6 MBA very rough archive recording of the second half of an impromptu performance of medieval Mystery plays. Featuring plays of the Kings, Herod and the Slaughter of the Innocents. Mostly from the Towneley Cycle, though with sections of Chester. Recorded in the bar at the Quay Theatre in December 2006. #medieval #mysteryplays
Archive Recording: Medieval Mysteries
December 10, 2015 12:11 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBA very rough archive recording of an impromptu performance of medieval Mystery plays. Featuring plays on the Annunciation, Joseph's Doubt, Nativity and the three Shepherds. Mostly from the Towneley Cycle, though with sections of Chester. Recorded in the bar at the Quay Theatre in December 2006. #medieval #mysteryplays
The Fall of Lucifer - Chester Mystery Cycle
September 02, 2015 12:25 - 16 minutes - 15 MBThe Fall of Lucifer - Play 1 of the Chester Mystery Cycle A Full Cast Recording of the first play of the Chester Cycle - The Tanners Play covering the fall of Lucifer up to the creation of the world. Recorded in 2013. Cast: God - Robert Crighton Lucifer - Trevor Laver Lightbourne - Richard Fawcett Angels and Archangels - Helen Arbon, Neil Arbon, Adam Webster, Kevin Roychowdhury, AM Barrett, Annie Eddington. Recorded at the Quay Theatre, Sudbury Produced and edited by Robert Crighton Music a...
The Pride of Life - Surviving Text
September 02, 2015 10:45 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBFull text recording of 'The Pride of Life' - from rehearsals of a reconstruction of the play produced in 2015. This anonymous play is one of the earliest pieces of drama in English and only partially survives. For more information about this recording go to our blog - http://beforeshakespeare.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/the-pride-of-life-reconstruction.html Cast: Prologue - Robert Crighton King of Life - Ian McCabe Queen of Life - Esme Stanway Bishop - Robert Myson Mirth - Clarissa Seeley Stren...
Chester Plays 10.3: Slaughter of the Innocents
May 08, 2015 16:13 - 9 minutes - 6.6 MBExploring the Chester Mystery Plays is a series of live streamed events where the Chester plays are performed with readers and commentary. Rough round the edges, edited versions of these events are now being posted online. Final part covering the Slaughter of the Innocents - where Herod comes to a sticky end.
Chester Plays 10.2: Slaughter of the Innocents
May 08, 2015 14:32 - 9 minutes - 6.72 MBExploring the Chester Mystery Plays is a series of live streamed events where the Chester plays are performed with readers and commentary. Rough round the edges, edited versions of these events are now being posted online. Second of three parts covering the Slaughter of the Innocents - where the soldiers are send out.
Chester Plays 10.1: Slaughter of the Innocents
May 06, 2015 15:07 - 9 minutes - 6.93 MBExploring the Chester Mystery Plays is a series of live streamed events where the Chester plays are performed with readers and commentary. Rough round the edges, edited versions of these events are now being posted online. First of three parts covering the Slaughter of the Innocents - where Herod makes his plans.
Chester Plays 9.2: Adoration of the Magi
May 03, 2015 14:25 - 4 minutes - 3.71 MBExploring the Chester Mystery Plays is a series of live streamed events where the Chester plays are performed with readers and commentary. Rough round the edges, edited versions of these events are now being posted online. Second of two parts of the Adoration of the Magi play - where the 3 Kings leave the Holy family.
Chester Plays 9.1: Adoration of the Magi
May 03, 2015 13:57 - 8 minutes - 6.65 MBExploring the Chester Mystery Plays is a series of live streamed events where the Chester plays are performed with readers and commentary. Rough round the edges, edited versions of these events are now being posted online. First of two parts of the Adoration of the Magi play - where the 3 Kings travel and discuss their gifts to Jesus.
Chester Plays 8.2: Magi & Herod
April 29, 2015 13:26 - 9 minutes - 7.42 MBExploring the Chester Mystery Plays is a series of live streamed events where the Chester plays are performed with readers and commentary. Rough round the edges, edited versions of these events are now being posted online. This is the second of two parts of the Magi & Herod play - Herod consults on the prophesies of Jesus, having met with the 3 Kings.
Chester Plays 8.1: Magi & Herod
April 29, 2015 12:29 - 9 minutes - 7.48 MBExploring the Chester Mystery Plays is a series of live streamed events where the Chester plays are performed with readers and commentary. Rough round the edges, edited versions of these events are now being posted online. This is the first of two parts of the Magi & Herod play - where the 3 Kings meet with Herod in their search for the Christ child.
Chester Plays 7.4: Shepherds
April 28, 2015 11:06 - 9 minutes - 7.09 MBExploring the Chester Mystery Plays is a series of live streamed events where the Chester plays are performed with readers and commentary. Rough round the edges, edited versions of these events are now being posted online. This post completes play 7, The Shepherds, where our four sheep herds (and various boys) pay homage to Jesus.
Chester Plays 7.3: Shepherds
April 25, 2015 14:25 - 9 minutes - 7.44 MBExploring the Chester Mystery Plays is a series of live streamed events where the Chester plays are performed with readers and commentary. Rough round the edges, edited versions of these events are now being posted online. This post continues play 7, The Shepherds, where our four sheep herds hear the song of an Angel and go to Bethlehem.
Chester Plays 7.2: Shepherds
April 25, 2015 13:37 - 9 minutes - 7.03 MBFIRST FEW MINUTES SUFFERS FROM MIC PROBLEMS - DO NOT ADJUST YOUR SET! Exploring the Chester Mystery Plays is a series of live streamed events where the Chester plays are taken apart with readers and commentary. Rough round the edges (first 2 minutes especially so!), edited versions of these events are now being posted online. This post continues play 7, The Shepherds, where we meet the fourth Shepherds, who fights with his masters over a matter of his pay.
Chester Plays 7.1: Shepherds
April 06, 2015 15:21 - 9 minutes - 7.32 MBExploring the Chester Mystery Plays is a series of live streamed events where the Chester plays are taken apart with readers and commentary. Rough round the edges, edited versions of these events are now being posted online. This post covers the start of play 7, The Shepherds, where we meet the first three Shepherds, hear about how they look after their sheep, and sit down to eat.