Upstart Crow

by Ben Elton

It’s the 1590s. William Shakespeare—brought to life on screen by the inimitable David Mitchell—is at the start of his career. But no one is taking him seriously. In London, he is mercilessly mocked by his rivals and at home in Stratford he is belittled by his sullen teenage daughter. Yet he is determined to find an ending for his newest creation, Romeo and Juliet . Luckily, inspiration is forthcoming. The trials and tribulations of his closest friends and family reveal the plot twists he’d been missing. And not only for this famous tragedy but for many of his finest plays. With sparkling wordplay, hilarious gags, and his trademark wit, Ben Elton celebrates the great William Shakespeare and reveals the startling stories behind the playwright’s best-known plays.

Genres: Plays, Shakespeare, Humor

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2018

About the author

Ben Elton was born on 3 May 1959, in Catford, South London. The youngest of four, he went to Godalming Grammar School, joined amateur dramatic societies and wrote his first play at 15. He wanted to be a stagehand at the local theatre, but instead did A-Level Theatre Studies and studied drama at Manchester University in 1977.

His career as both performer and writer encompasses some of the most memorable and incisive comedy of the past twenty years. His groundbreaking work as a TV stand-up comedian set the (high) standard of what was to follow. He has received accolades for his hit TV sitcoms, The Young Ones, Blackadder and The Thin Blue Line.

More recently he has had successes with three hit West End musicals, including the global phenomenon We Will Rock You. He has written three plays for the London stage, including the multi-award-winning Popcorn. Ben's international bestselling novels include Stark, Inconceivable, Dead Famous and High Society. He won the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger Award for the novel Popcorn.

Elton lives in Perth with his Aussie wife Sophie and three children.

Reviews

[Kathleen Herb · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this is the funniest thing I’ve read in years! I’ve watched it on PBS, and the wit and creativity of this is unparalleled. Ben Elton, the author, also wrote Blackadder, and it definitely shows. My husband and I watch this every Saturday, and reading it again had me cackling so hysterically I’m sure the neighbors think I’ve gone nuts. One of the most creative parts of the book that you don’t see on the show is the footnotes! I won’t spoil them, but if you like Shakespeare, and especially if you have watched the show, read the book! In this horrible time in history, it will give you a much needed respite!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun! My gorgeous and wonderful friend bought these scripts for me as a gift after we went to see The Upstart Crow stage show in London. I was so impressed with the clever use of language (arse porridge!) that I wanted to read the script to really pause and enjoy these brilliant moments and commit them to memory. Imagine my delight when finishing the book I discover there is a glossary full of arse porridge and such like!! I literally laughed out loud during the second folio, and my appreciation of the satire of Kempe’s character was found when I discovered it was a parody of David Brent - it unleashed a new level of hilarity. I didn’t read all the footnotes as I found them repetitive, but some were objectively funny and others were educational and informative. It was also really interesting reading a script that is meant to be performed. I’ve bought the DVDs and yes, the actors do add something with their delivery (esp the Kempe character) but the scripts are still very enjoyable in their own right. All in all, great fun. I want to read it again and highlight my favourite bits, but don’t want to deface the book…!

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young William Shakespeare embarks on his career as a playwright, having to contend with a family who misunderstands his genius.

Ben Elton's historical comedy is, thankfully, far funnier and more sensible than his subject's. The scripts are ironically annotated to make the book even more amusing.

[Charles Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've never read a script before so this has been a very interesting introduction into that type of reading. The main thing I have realised is just how much the actors skill adds to the enjoyment, Upstart Crow is my favourite TV show at the moment and although humorous reading the script is not the same, this is probably obvious but I just wasn't expecting it to be to such a great extent. The footnotes bear mentioning as they start off humorous and full of fascinating historical insight but quickly devolve into repetitions of Elton's dislike of Oxbridge and Harold Pinter whilst frantically clinging to the 'isn't it remarkable that Shakespere discovered this 20th century idiom' jokes. Watch the TV show its much better.

[Susan Emmet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely love the BBC series and so glad to get a copy of the scripts for Christmas.
Little to say except it's just hilarious throughout.
Love Kate and Susannah and Bottom especially.
I'd quote my favorite passages, but fear it might be too salacious? Ha!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tis the crow.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I have read for ages and I have read tons of books

[Becca]

Fun!

[Mrs B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparkling, witty, cheeky and clever!

[carol ridderbeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shakespear for idiots

Hilarious satirical interpretation of Shakespears work, and introducing us to the poetry of his words, inspiring us to read more .

[Kimberly Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over covid, I read the complete works of Shakespeare, and enjoyed very little of it. But this. THIS is the kind of Shakespeare I love. Hilarious.