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The Shakespeare Library

The Shakespeare Library

William Shakespeare 78 Episodes Apr 27, 2026

A podcast that presents unabridged performances of Shakespeare's plays, act by act and scene by scene. It aims to preserve the full majesty of the Bard's works, covering tragedies, comedies, and histories. The podcast brings the immortal plays to life through spoken word, allowing listeners to experience the richness of Shakespeare's language.

Episodes

The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 1
The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 1 Apr 27, 2026 1300 In which two young gentlemen, Protheus and Valentine, discourse upon the sweetness and folly of love, whilst the faithful servant Speed bears Protheus’ missive to his beloved Julia, whose heart and mind are stirred with tender conjectures. Meanwhile, the noble Antonio resolves to send his son Protheus to court for experience, setting the stage for youthful yearnings and the gentle motions of affec
The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 2
The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 2 Apr 28, 2026 2149 In which the tender machinations of young love are tenderly unveiled, as Valentine and Protheus navigate their affections and allegiances ‘mongst noble blood and gentle discourse; meanwhile, faithful servants and ardent hearts dally with jest and sentiment, revealing the folly and fervour that accompany Cupid’s sway. In this rich tapestry, declarations and doubts entwine, and schemes are laid with
The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 3
The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 3 Apr 29, 2026 1508 In which a noble duke, beset by love’s cunning snares, devises a bold stratagem to woo a prized lady whose heart is guarded well; meanwhile, banished Valentine laments his loss yet resolves to face hardship with stoic grace, and Protheus contemplates the shifting tides of affection and loyalty amid celestial strains of music. Thus, the stage is set with tangled desires and tender woes, where poetr
The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 4
The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 4 Apr 30, 2026 1591 In which the tender pangs of love and faithful service intertwine amidst masked emotions and entangled hearts, where gentle ladies and gallant youths discourse with suspicion and hope. The forest and the town alike bear witness to vows made, broken, and the relentless pursuit of affection, honour, and reconciliation.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 5
The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 5 May 1, 2026 960 In which the Duke, moved by Valentine’s honourable spirit and merit, pardons past grievances and grants him Silvia’s hand, while also forgiving the exiled men through Valentine’s plea. The company departs in joyful concord, preparing for marriage and shared happiness, as hints of new tales and discovery linger gently in the air.
The Taming of the Shrew Induction
The Taming of the Shrew Induction May 2, 2026 1088 In which a drunken tinker named Christopher Sly is cunningly tricked by a lord and his servants into believing he is a nobleman newly awakened from a long slumber, surrounded by attendants and fanciful delights to beguile his senses. The lord, with mirthful intent, prepares Sly to receive a play as a balm for his afflicted mind, setting the stage for a curious tale within a tale.
The Taming of the Shrew Act 1
The Taming of the Shrew Act 1 May 3, 2026 1747 In which the young Lucentio arrives in Padua, enamoured by fair Bianca yet barred by her elder sister's tempestuous nature, whilst wily plans are set afoot to win favour and outwit obstacles in matters of love and learning. Meanwhile, the bold Petruchio comes seeking fortune and a wife, undeterred by the prospect of a shrewish bride, stirring the humour and intentions of those who dwell within Bap
The Taming of the Shrew Act 2
The Taming of the Shrew Act 2 May 4, 2026 1314 In which fair Baptista’s daughters vie for suitors’ favour amidst sharp words and sharper wit, as a bold gentleman named Petruchio arrives with fiery intent to wed the spirited Katherina. The scene unfolds with lively discourse, crafty proposals, and the promise of impending marriages, revealing both tempestuous tempers and cunning designs.
The Taming of the Shrew Act 3
The Taming of the Shrew Act 3 May 5, 2026 1142 In which the discourse of music and scholarly arts interlaces with amorous pursuits, unveiling both wit and rivalry among suitors vying for fair Bianca’s favour, whilst the tempestuous Katherine’s fate draws near as her awaited husband doth arrive in a most uncouth guise. The mirth and commotion of a hastened wedding-day unfold, revealing spirited defiance and bold assertions of dominion, as the h
The Taming of the Shrew Act 4
The Taming of the Shrew Act 4 May 6, 2026 2362 In which the fiery exchanges and comical mishaps of masters and servants alike make manifest the sharp frosts heating the spirits of those newly wed, whilst devices of disguise and cunning wooing begin to weave their delicate webs amid fair Bianca and her suitors. Throughout the scene, words clash as fiercely as wills, with a husband’s stern kindness and a bride’s quick wit setting the stage for t
The Taming of the Shrew Act 5
The Taming of the Shrew Act 5 May 7, 2026 1137 In which the intricate disguises and mistaken identities entwine most curiously, lending humour and confusion to the gathering kin and suitors within Lucentio’s domicile; and the playful contest of wits and wills among spouses doth come to a telling and decorous close. Herein is shown the gentle art of reconciliation, where love and obedience are tenderly discoursed, and the bonds of marriage are
King Henry VI Part 1 Act 1
King Henry VI Part 1 Act 1 May 8, 2026 2171 In which the noble lords of England, mourning their late king and beset by grievous losses in France, find their honour and unity oft contested amidst siege and treachery, whilst a resolute maiden, endowed with heavenly prophecy and martial prowess, doth arise to challenge the tide of war. In which valorous deeds and impassioned strife mingle with the weighty affairs of state and faith, illuminati

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