CiRCE Podcast Network
The Play's the Thing
The Play's the Thing is the ultimate podcast resource for lovers of Shakespeare. Dedicating six episodes to each play (one per act, plus a Q&A episode), this podcast explores the themes, scenes, characters, and lines that make Shakespeare so memorable. In the end, we will cover every play The Bard wrote, thus permitting an ongoing contemplation and celebration of the most important writer of all time. Join us. The Play’s the Thing is presented by The CiRCE Podcast Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Author
CiRCE Podcast Network
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jun 26, 2026
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Episodes
Much Ado About Nothing: Act 5 (rerun) 12.07.2024 1:29:44
Join Andrew Kern and Angelina Stanford for the conclusion of their discussion about Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing . If you like this show remember to subscribe, rate, and review. Support us on Patreon ! To learn more about the Close Reads Podcast Network please click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Much Ado About Nothing: Act 4 (rerun) 05.07.2024 1:14:32
In this episode of The Play's the Thing, Andrew Kern and Angelina Stanford discuss Act IV of Much Ado About Nothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Much Ado About Nothing: Act 3 (rerun) 28.06.2024 1:14:42
Welcome back to The Play's the Thing where Andrew Kern and Angelina Stanford are discussing Act 3 of Much Ado About Nothing. Conversation touches on how the play would have come off in Shakespeare's day, the way Shakespeare plays with verse/prose depending on the status of the character, the theme is self-deception and self-knowledge, the famous scene of deception, and much more. This episode is b...
Much Ado About Nothing: Act 2 (rerun) 21.06.2024 1:14:50
Welcome to The Play's the Thing, a podcast dedicated to an ongoing examination and celebration of Shakespeare's entire canon. In this episode, Angelina, and Andrew discuss Act II of Much Ado About Nothing . This episode is brought to you our friends at St. John's College - the perfect place for lovers of Shakespeare to take their next academic steps. If you like this podcast, subscribe, rate, revi...
Much Ado About Nothing: Act 1 (rerun) 14.06.2024 1:07:35
Welcome to The Play's the Thing, a podcast dedicated to an ongoing examination and celebration of Shakespeare's entire canon. In this episode, David, Angelina, and Andrew Kern discuss Act I of Much Ado About Nothing . Topics of conversation include the multiple meanings of the titles, Renaissance cosmology, order and chaos, music, harmony, triangles, and Love and War. And a lot more. This episode...
Cymbeline (rerun) 07.06.2024 1:20:45
In this episode, Tim McIntosh and special guest Madelaine Wheeler discuss one of Shakespeare's weirdest plays. What sort of play is Cymbeline? A comedy, drama, fantasy — a mashup of all three? Also: Shakespeare speaks into the perennial debate on nature vs. nurture. Find out more about Charlotte Mason and Ambleside Online here: https://amblesideonline.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...
Tim Gets Interviewed, with Matt Bianco 22.05.2024 1:09:30
Sound the trumpet blast! We have now covered all of Shakespeare's plays! In this episode, Tim McIntosh hands the mic to Matt Bianco of the CiRCE Institute to interview Tim about his favorite moments on the show, the future of the podcast, and the glimmer of a future plan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Yearbook! 11.05.2024 19:31
Audio yearbook podcast. Since we have podcasted all of Shakespeare's plans(!!!) I asked my guests to come on and mention their favorite moments from being on the show. Also: An announcement about the future! Emily Maeda A Winter's Tale, Act V: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000598309165 Sarah-Jane Bentley Did Shakespeare Write Shakespeare's...
The Life and Death of King John 26.04.2024 1:06:20
King John was remembered, in history, for two things. Do you know what they were? In Shakespeare's play, he's remembered for being a cad, a villain, a rogue. This show includes a reunion with the crew that started the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Merry Wives of Windsor 19.04.2024 53:21
Imagine the biggest comedic star of Shakespeare's stage, taken from battle, and dropped into a love triangle. Huzzah! Tim and Sarah-Jane Bentley celebrate the return of Falstaff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Teaching Shakespeare 30.03.2024 44:34
Teaching Shakespeare: Why do so many students hate Shakespeare? Probably because the way his plays are taught. Let's get out of our desks and onto a stage! Tim talks to two guests about why performing is the key to understanding and loving Shakespeare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Measure for Measure: Act V 09.02.2024 1:03:52
I like to call this act "duke ex machina." The Duke returns, ready to solve everyone's problems. Plus, a special guest asks the question, "Did Shakespeare care about his characters?" Plus, after the podcast, Gaelyn and Tim keep talking at home and Gaelyn forms a theory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Measure for Measure: Act IV 02.02.2024 42:37
It's complicated, okay. In Act 4, the Duke (disguised as the Friar) is a puppet master, pulling strings, saving prisoners, ending lives. He also forms a secret plot with Angelo's jilted fiancé. See, it's complicated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Measure for Measure: Act III 19.01.2024 41:50
In Measure for Measure, Act 3, Isabella breaks the news to her brother: He will be executed by Angelo. The only alternative is unthinkable to Isabella. But not to her brother. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Measure for Measure: Act II 12.01.2024 36:54
The nun, Isabella, asks Angelo to have mercy on her condemned brother. But Angelo is unrelenting. —Unless Isabella is willing to offer something in return. One of the best acts in Shakespeare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Measure for Measure: Act I 29.12.2023 40:41
When Angelo is appointed governor, he cleans up Venice, starting with a pregnant couple. Death to the lewd! Except, Angelo sets himself a trap. One of Shakespeare’s hidden gems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Comedy of Errors 08.12.2023 55:57
Shakespeare's most confusing play? Twins, separated after a shipwreck, both named Antipholus. Their servants, also separated by shipwreck, both named Dromio. End of the pod: a one-minute Hallmark reel by Pharbeaux. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Antony and Cleopatra 01.12.2023 1:00:13
A sequel to Julius Caesar , starring two of the most immature lovers of all time. Or maybe they're mature shape-shifters? Sarah-Jane Bentley makes her case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Philosophy and Shakespeare with Dr. Peter Adamson 18.11.2023 1:01:04
We're joined by Dr. Peter Adamson who hosts the podcast, "The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps." Discussed: What was the most pressing philosophical question of Shakespeare’s day? Plus, we pick our favorite Shakespearean villains! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How to Become a Word-Coining Genius 10.11.2023 1:02:36
William Shakespeare created over 1,700 words. This talk explores how his education helped him invent new words and will give volunteers an opportunity to construct new words. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shakespeare on Leadership 03.11.2023 39:09
Shakespeare obsessed over kings and queens and how they ruled. What can we learn from bad kings (like Richard III) and good kings (like Henry V)? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Titus Andronicus 27.10.2023 53:25
A warning: Don't listen with kids in the car. Shakespeare's bloodiest play includes 14 killings, 6 severed limbs, a rape, a live burial, a case of insanity, and an act of cannibalism. Um, Happy Halloween? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Show Preview: Othello - Episode 1 - Marks Set Against Me 20.10.2023 37:00
A rich young man named Roderigo rages in anger at Iago when he learns that the woman he’s been pining for (and paying Iago to help him win), Desdemona, has just married Othello, a General who Iago reluctantly serves. Iago tells Roderigo that he hates Othello for promoting Michael Cassio to the rank of Lieutenant over him. Together, they go to the house of Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, to tell him...
Timon of Athens 13.10.2023 40:32
Wealthy and popular, Timon of Athens helps friends, gives presents, and holds a feast. But when he runs out of money, none of his friends help. He runs away to a cave, curses humanity, finds gold, funds the destruction of Athens, and dies. Yup. That's the plot. Zoloft anyone? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Henry VI: Parts 1, 2, 3 06.10.2023 1:01:01
What happens when every nobleman in the kingdom wants the throne except the man who’s on the throne? The Henry VI trilogy shows us. Buckle up for battles, a cameo by Joan of Arc, more battles, and a wife raising an army against her husband, and a rosey civil war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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