I Am Shakespeare

Did the son of an illiterate tradesman from a small market town really write the greatest dramatic works in the world?

It's a question that has engaged scholars, theatre practitioners and theatregoers for many years

The philosopher, Francis Bacon; the Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere; and Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke - all of them have been put forward as the real author of the plays

Mark Rylance's provocative play introduces us to these four candidates and their respective claims whilst asking fundamental questions about what makes a genius, and why it all matters anyway

M6-9,F1

"Witty, gloriously funny and wonderfully well-written ... the best thing I have seen for years" ~ The Stage

"This is a lively and very funny play anchored in the present but exploring the secrets of the past ... great for companies who have a number of strong male performers and enjoy performing in costume

It's a light-hearted piece that asks fundamental questions about identity and the nature of genius, and will be enjoyed by all audiences, particularly those with some knowledge of Shakespeare's work (though it wears its considerable learning lightly)

And those of you who have seen or performed Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem will more than likely want to read a stage play by the actor who was the original Johnny 'Rooster' Byron" ~ Tamara von Werther - NHB's Performing Rights Manager