The Globe was shocked on November 9^th, 2023 as Shakespeare’s wife came back to life in a coffee shop in Peterborough, ON. Dishevelled, and looking fresh as a week-old banana, she burst into a room patiently waiting for Shakespeare to pick up his after-life phone. She was loud, vulgar, crude, and most importantly, entertaining beyond belief. 

That night was the 20^th anniversary of the Trent English department's “Shakespeare Night”. Started by Stephen Brown as a parody of academia, the nights are a rowdy night in commemoration of the Bard, in spite of institutions, and a love of art. This year’s event was hosted by Cork and Bean, and included a telephone-based séance done by co-runner Andrew Loeb (led by students who had written an essay on a book they hadn’t written), a celebratory cake “paid for by your tuition”, the aforementioned Anne Hathaway (not that one)—Shakespeare’s wife—who bore a striking resemblance to Stephen brown, and a strew of audience participation.

The student engagement of the night is a true testament to the glory of Shakespeare Night. There were readings of speeches from Ophelia and from Julius Caesar, a blind read of “Once more unto the Breach” from Henry V, and an original work about Shakespeare and his character work. Such was the pull to participate, that even the crowd itself was in the play. Abbagael Cameron came dressed as Waldorf from the Muppets to heckle Andrew and Stephen. There was a custom rendition of “Yankee Doodle” sung as an anthem. During the Séance, incantations were distributed across the room for the crowd to roar along with. 

There is an allure to Shakespeare Night. There really isn’t a reason not to come. Some came because they received the English department email. Some had graduated and came to the show anyway. One reason that resounded with all was Stephen Brown. Described as “iconic”, he’s the beating heart of the show, always with a fan-favourite drag performance and sharp wit, he steals the show. 

Not to discredit Andrew Loeb either. He brilliantly conducted the hi-tech séance, wading through the after-life bureaucracy to speak to Ol’ shaky Bill himself. As of this pub night, it’s his sixth year involved in the Shakespeare event.

For any regretting having missed this unique opportunity, fret not. As Stephen shouted to the crowd, “I’m not dead yet!”. Barring any once-in-a-lifetime pandemics, or other events of that ilk, there will be many more Shakespeare nights to come. And for those morose at the thought of having to wait another year to enjoy such a spectacle, you’re in luck once more. Traditionally, every spring there is another Shakespeare event, hosted around Valentine’s Day, themed around love. 

This February there will be a Shakespeare Cabaret, which will be accepting auditions this December. Hosted by the Anne Shirley Theatre Company in cooperation with the Trent English department, you can apply by yourself and as a group, and all entries should center around the general theme of love (not specifically romantic), and be appropriate for high school audiences. For additional info, check the Anne Shirley Theatre Company website, and follow them on Instagram @anneshirleytheatre on Instagram. The event will include five audience favours of $150 

Shakespeare Night is a glorious night of fun. It’s filled with naughty puns, low-brow humour, and drag- the best way to honour the Bard. Hosted once per fall and spring annually, it’s a beating heart of entertainment and student engagement, older than most second years, and in honour of a man centuries dead.