Ep 8. Episode 8

Horrible Histories season 2 episode 8, named Episode 8, is a hilarious and educational journey through history, exploring the lives of famous figures and events with a comedic twist. This episode features sketches that delve into the fascinating story of William Shakespeare, exploring his rise to fame as a playwright and actor in Elizabethan England.

The episode begins with a sketch set in the Globe Theatre, where we meet some of Shakespeare's actors, who are struggling to perform in a play without any props or costumes. The sketch explores the challenges faced by actors in Shakespeare's time, who had to rely on their own imaginations to bring the plays to life. This introduces the theme of theatre, which is explored throughout the episode.

We then move on to a sketch set in Stratford-upon-Avon, where we meet a young William Shakespeare working as a glove maker. The sketch humorously portrays Shakespeare's early attempts at writing, featuring some of his famous lines as terrible puns and jokes. We see him struggling to come up with ideas until inspiration strikes, and he writes his first play, which turns out to be a hit.

Next, we learn about the Globe Theatre and its importance in Shakespeare's life and work. A sketch set in the theatre shows us how the actors used different parts of the stage to represent different locations within a play, such as the battlements of a castle or the streets of a city. We see how the theatre's unique design allowed the actors to interact with the audience, making the performances more engaging and entertaining.

Another sketch features a group of Elizabethan actors performing the famous balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. However, their performance is constantly interrupted by an annoying heckler, who keeps shouting out comments and criticisms. This highlights the challenges that actors faced in performing in front of live audiences, who were often rowdy and unpredictable.

The episode also takes us on a journey through some of Shakespeare's most famous plays, including Macbeth and Hamlet. We see how Shakespeare's writing evolved over time, becoming darker and more complex as he matured as a writer. The sketches humorously explore some of the key themes and characters in these plays, such as the Three Witches in Macbeth and Hamlet's famous soliloquy.

Throughout the episode, we also learn about the broader social and political context of Shakespeare's time. A sketch set in London shows us how the city was full of dangers, such as pickpockets and disease, and how the authorities struggled to maintain law and order. We also learn about the religious tensions of the time, with Protestants and Catholics both vying for power and influence.

The episode ends with a sketch set at Shakespeare's funeral, which humorously explores how his legacy has been interpreted and celebrated over the centuries. We see different characters, from a modern-day actor to a Victorian historian, offering their take on Shakespeare's life and work. The sketch serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of Shakespeare's writing on popular culture and the arts.

Overall, Horrible Histories season 2 episode 8 is an entertaining and informative exploration of the life and works of William Shakespeare. The episode features a range of memorable sketches that will appeal to audiences of all ages, from the youngest viewers who are just learning about history to the most seasoned Shakespeare scholars. With its irreverent humor and clever insights into the past, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world's most famous playwright.