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Upstart Crow in London
Upstart Crow – Wonderful Shakespearian silliness
If William Shakespeare knew his name had been taken in vain for a comedy show four hundred-ish years after his death, what would he think about it? The man had a great sense of humour so he'd probably fall about laughing at the antics of David Mitchell, who plays The Bard himself. Would Shakespeare come and see it? You bet he would. It's brilliant.
Ben Elton is bringing his dazzlingly good, critically acclaimed and much loved BBC sitcom to the stage, presenting a brand new comedy play set to delight West End audiences. The show is famous for re-imagining the life of Shakespeare, revealing a complicated and not always enjoyable muddle that constantly beleaguers the great man. Or not so great, as it turns out, since he isn't always the one who dreams up the plots for his plays.
Comedian and TV presenter David Mitchell reprises his TV role on stage, playing the lead role in what is his West End theatre debut. Gemma Whelan plays Kate, the clever daughter of Shakespeare’s landlord. By all accounts Mitchell is thrilled to be able to bring history’s most famous balding dramatist to London, to play a starring role in a comedy that's rich in Shakespearean ambience.
Ben Elton has set the play in 1605, at a time when The Bard is desperately hunting for a decent plot for his next master-work but is thwarted at every turn – as usual – by the kind of ridiculous family problems that see him engaging in a riot of mad metaphor. There's endless confusion provided by identical twins, and an escaped dancing bear called Mrs Whiskers also plays a starring role.
The fun is directed by Sean Foley, and the show opens at the magnificent Apollo theatre. Ben Elton has long been one of our brightest and funniest stand-up, theatre, TV and literary stars, whose books are known and loved for their laugh-out-loud hilarity. He's responsible for classics like The Young Ones and Blackadder, the hit musical We Will Rock You, the hit musical Love Never Dies and a whole lot more.
The original Upstart Crow TV series was created to help mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. The stage show takes us back to 1605, when the only plays he'd come up with were All’s Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure. As the show's publicity material says: How the futtock can a Bard be expected to find a plot for a play whilst his daughters run amok and his house is used as refuge for any old waif and stray. As time runs out, can Will hold on to his dream of being recognised now and for all time, as indisputably the greatest writer that ever lived, or will family woes thwart Will’s chances of producing his master-work?
Come along and see!
Who is this show for?
Upstart Crow contains lots of references to Shakespeare's plays plus some 'moderate' bad language, so it isn't really suitable for young children. Over 14s should appreciate the fun.
Upstart Crow Official Theatre Tickets
Our central reservation system connects you directly to the Apollo Theatre box office system. We provide live & full availability for Upstart Crow tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for Upstart Crow has never been easier.
Upstart Crow Ticket Information
- Booking until:
Saturday, 3 December 2022
- Running time:
2hours 20mins (inc. interval)
- Age restrictions
Recommended 10+
- Cancellations & Refunds
Once booked, tickets to Upstart Crow are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.
Upstart Crow cheap tickets
We have a great selection of cheap Upstart Crow tickets. We can help you save up to 70% on Upstart Crow tickets! If you're looking for discount theatre tickets have a look below for our latest offers for Upstart Crow at the Apollo Theatre.
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Upstart Crow reviews
What to expect:
ActingMusic
Costumes
Story
Lighting
- Recommended for:
- Couples (89%)
- Theatregoers (100%)
Latest customer reviews
All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing Upstart Crow.
Please note the reviews below are from an old production of Upstart Crow.
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Hilarious and highly enjoyableD Reviewed on 16 March 2020 by Donna
Rochester, United Kingdom
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Was really good, very funny. Should watch itZ Reviewed on 13 March 2020 by Zoe
London, United Kingdom
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Brilliant, laugh out loud, Ben Elton genius at work
C Reviewed on 11 March 2020 by Colin
London, United Kingdom
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Lively, witty, entertainingAn excellent evening, especially if you know shakespeare
G Reviewed on 09 March 2020 by Gwynne
London, United Kingdom
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enjoyableA Reviewed on 04 March 2020 by Anthony
Croydon, United Kingdom
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Best £90 I've spent in a long while.
L Reviewed on 04 March 2020 by Lyndon
Sandwich, United Kingdom
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An evening of merriment with Will and the gang.Being a fan of the TV version of The Upstart Crow I wasn't sure what to expect but, as with the rest of the audience, I had a thoroughly good time. Full of jokes and Shakespeare-related gags, the whole of the evening was pure joy.
J Reviewed on 29 February 2020 by John
Hetton-le-hole, United Kingdom
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A great night outIf you love Shakespeare and the theatre you must see this joyful romp. So many great one liners I want to see it again as soon as possible.
C Reviewed on 28 February 2020 by Christina
Redhill, United Kingdom
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A very enjoyable evening of theatre.H Reviewed on 27 February 2020 by Howard
Santa Cruz, United States Of America
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Even better than expected !Witty and cerebral. Not too long. Great acting from all the cast.
K Reviewed on 26 February 2020 by Karen
Peterborough, United Kingdom
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Upright CrowL Reviewed on 26 February 2020 by Liz
Peterborough, United Kingdom
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Well worth 2 hrs of timeT Reviewed on 24 February 2020 by Tim
Hull, United Kingdom
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All goodGo see it, even better than on tv
N Reviewed on 23 February 2020 by Nazmeen
London, United Kingdom
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Great funDon’t miss it
J Reviewed on 22 February 2020 by Jane
Leatherhead, United Kingdom
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Do not miss this fabulous show.Shakespeare would love this. Brilliant acting.
A Reviewed on 22 February 2020 by Ann
Dorking, United Kingdom
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Really intelligent and daringThe Shakespearean allusions, the modern obsessions, the pc/non-pc elements were all given a good outing. But the bravest thing was daring to put in the real Shakespeare in the Othello scene - it could have gone spectacularly wrong, but the audience cooled in an instant and we were all aware of what a genius the real Shakespeare was. And the curtain call was a blast!
A Reviewed on 18 February 2020 by Ann
Newport, United Kingdom
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Laugh out loud funny!If you love Shakespeare and want a laugh, check this out. I finding the references to Shakespeare plays. Recognizing lines and laughing at the the silly ideas of: twins not recognizing each other....
P Reviewed on 16 February 2020 by Priscilla
Oceanside, United States Of America
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A futtocking fantastic must-see performanceB Reviewed on 16 February 2020 by Benjamin
Redditch, United Kingdom
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Transferred well to the stage from TV. Full house and standing ovation at the end. Brilliant!
P Reviewed on 16 February 2020 by Pamela
Fortrose, United Kingdom
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Trying to be too clever!My review is marred by the fact I had a very uncomfortable seat (Dress circle A32) and struggled to see much of the stage as I was pushed into a corner. However, I found the play tried to be too clever (which I think is probably down to Ben Elton's style of writing). Whilst the acting was good and the costumes fantastic, the play is too wordy with endless repetition of the same verbal jokes and a preposterous story line which left me bored, and the very PC comments jarred throughout. I never found the TV programme this tedious but frankly wished I hadn't bothered. I loved the dancing bear though-the best thing about it!
K Reviewed on 14 February 2020 by Karen
St Helier, Jersey
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Great EntertainmentThe show lived up to our expectations and beyond. Thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a sense of humour, others forget it and stay home to watch TV!!!!
P Reviewed on 11 February 2020 by Peter
Lightwater, United Kingdom
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Brilliant fun!The show is just like the sitcom but live! All the actors were amazing and the script is so hilariously funny I would love to read it. I wondered how they would come up with a story to follow the TV series and they came up with a great one. Not only do we get Ben Elton’s fab comedy but we also see some proper Shakespeare which is such a treat. Go and see it - so worth the ticket price!
E Reviewed on 09 February 2020 by Emmanuel
Marlborough, United Kingdom
2020
The 456 Year Old Playwright with New Shows in London and New York
by Phil Willmott | Monday, February 24 2020, 10:16
That playwright is of course William Shakespeare and the three shows are inspired by his life, plots and characters - UPSTART CROW and & JULIET in the West End and Ivo Van Hove’s new staging of WEST SIDE STORY on Broadway.
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