THE REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY RADIO SHOW Volume 1: Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet

In these BBC Radio shows, the company's three young men play with or off Shakespeare (sometimes far off), leaving no joke unturned, no matter how old or poor, riffing on varied topics, and occasionally giving some of Shakespeare's actual lines--even a reduced version of HAMLET. They, and their performances, are quick, energetic, and likable, if more often silly than funny. While there is some sexual innuendo, the humor is suitable for teens. Humorous sound effects and synthetic-sounding music enhance the professional-level productions. It's best to know the plays beforehand (ROMEO AND JULIET and HAMLET) but often not necessary. One minor flaw: Each program is nearly a half-hour with no interior tracking. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 04/ JAN 05]