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Click HERE to read the Script, look at the Score and listen to the Songs
Shakespeare Rocks!
by Steve Titford
Pricing & Order Info.
"Absolutely brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! The music was truly amazing. Our 94 year 6 pupils loved every one of the songs and the difference that made to their performance was evident in the energy and enthusiasm they put into it. The only problem now is this: what on earth are we going to do next year to match it? I highly recommend using "Sing it!", which made the job of learning the songs simple. What a great resource!"
Nadine Shackley, Dorridge Primary School, Solihull
Celebrate the 400th anniversary of the printing of Shakespeare's First Folio in 1623!
Why choose this Musical?
This video below says it all...
Makes Shakespeare "Cool" and "Current"
Editable Word Doc Script available make your own changes
57 speaking roles
Easily reduced to 27 speaking roles. Flexible Cast size to suit YOUR group numbers, from 30 actors upwards. See "Casting" tab below for full instructions.
Any number of chorus parts
CD of Backing Tracks plus essential sound effects available
No pianist required! This CD includes ALL Backing Tracks, Incidental Music and Special Effects in the order you need them enabling production and direction to take place without specialist musical expertise.
CD of Vocal Tracks available for learning the songs
Sing it! "Karaoke-Style" learning! Check out the video below...
TOP TIP: unmute the video to have a listen and a sing along!
Full Performance Piano/Vocal score (Grade 6 Standard) available
Click "Performance Score" in the "Script & Songs" tab below.
"Very Easy Play Songs Only" Rehearsal Piano/Vocal Score (Grade 3 / 4 Standard) available
Click "Easy Play Score" in the "Script & Songs" tab below.
Duration: 45-50 minutes
Full Production Notes
Check out the "Production Notes" in the "Script Sample" below for full details of "Shakespeare Rocks!".
No Problem Props
Click "Script Sample" in the "Script & Songs" tab below for full listing.
Very easy to costume
Click "Script Sample" in the "Script & Songs" tab below.
Simple staging
Detailed in "Script Sample" below.
Links to New National Curriculum... English/History
Age range: Key Stage 2 Production (9-11 years)
NEW! Instant Scenery with our digital backdrops
A different backdrop for EVERY scene change
Supplied in both a PowerPoint presentation and as individual JPG files.
No more Scenery Painting!
Celebrate the 400th anniversary of the printing of Shakespeare's First Folio in 1623!
Shakespeare with style!
Aubrey, The Rough Shakespeare Company's pretentious director, obtains what appears to be William Shakespeare's lost diary. Along with Al, his down to earth assistant, the pair decide to embark on an exclusive adaption of the flamboyant Bard's personal journal.
"Shakespeare Rocks!" is a fresh, funny and up to date look at the life and times of William Shakespeare, with a cast of hilarious historical characters, amusing glimpses into some of his works and how he came 'To Be'.
The seven superb songs are exciting, modern and full of energy. They include everything you would want children to know about Shakespeare and the Elizabethan era but, are so 'cool' that they are not only informative, they are guaranteed to enthuse pupils, parents and teachers alike!
Spread the word... Shakespeare didn't just write... he rocked!
Prologue
The show is introduced by Aubrey, the director of the Rough Shakespeare Company, and his assistant Al. They welcome the audience to their exclusive adaption of William Shakespeare's secret diary which they claim to have found. Aubrey begins to read the first extract from the diary as we move to Scene One.
Scene One: 1593 - Will's Study In Stratford
Will is furiously ranting to his family about a bad review he has recently received. He vows to rebuff his critics by becoming a writer so famous that school children will be forced to study his work for centuries to come!
Scene Two: 1595 - London
The song 'Will's Wonderful Words' is performed in the streets by a group of 'cool' Minstrels in sunglasses. Will is now, indeed, rather famous and is constantly chased throughout the song by a legion of fans until he reaches the safety of his study.
Scene Three: A Rehearsal Room
It's audition time in the rehearsal rooms for the female roles. Since no women were allowed to perform on stage at the time, this is quite a difficult process. Will entrusts the loud mouthed, arrogant star of the theatre company, Richard 'Burley' Burbage to take on the task. A farce ensues when a group of Men-Dressed-As-Women with beards and hairy chests try to quote some female lines. The scene gets more ridiculous as a group of Women-Disguised-As-Men-Dressed-As-Women try to infiltrate the audition. The song 'No Girls Allowed' is performed.
Scene Four: 1599 - The Globe Theatre
The finishing touches to the Globe theatre are underway in preparation for the grand opening performance of Henry the Fifth. The song 'Show In The Globe' Is performed before the grand entrance of Queen Elizabeth 1 followed by a group of pesky paparazzi painters hoping for a quick 'sketch'. After an exchange of words between Will and the builders about the extortionate cost, the audience settles down and the beer and apple sellers peddle their wares as the show starts.
Scene Five: 1613 - A Rehearsal Room In London
The cast of Macbeth are rehearsing a scene. Unfortunately, because they are so superstitious, they cannot mention Macbeth by name in case it brings them bad luck. They perform the song 'Don't Mention Mac' just before Macbeth's name is mentioned. Desperate to reverse the bad luck, the Superstitious Sorcerers claim that the only solution is to spin around three times, then say a naughty word. The cast agree to do this but, just before they get chance to say it, Bernie Bottom - the cannon operator - enters the scene with bad news. The Globe Theatre has burnt down!
Scene Six: The Smouldering Ruins Of The Globe Theatre
In the smoked filled remains of the Globe theatre, secret lovers Romeo and Juliet find each other amongst the scorched debris. A Lutenist and Recorder Player enter, trying to find their beloved instruments before stumbling across the besotted pair. The musical Minstrels are shocked to discover that Juliet is, in fact, a real woman and not a Man-Dressed-As-A-Woman. After a charred recorder and a burnt lute are reunited with their owners the song 'Romeos And Juliets' is performed. Will and Anne enter, touched by the love song that they overheard. Will agrees to keep Juliet's secret and even renames his play 'Roger & Janet' after the love struck duo. After a decision to rebuild the Globe, the song 'All The World's A Stage' is performed.
Scene Seven: Will's Bedroom
Will, who is now getting old and is not feeling very well, is attempting to make himself look younger. Anne insists Will rests and he retires to bed where he stumbles upon 'a new-fangled' pencil which inspires one of his most famous quotes. The song 'To Be Or Not To Be' is performed as the finale by the whole cast.
Suggested Cast List For 73 Actors
N.B. In the following list, the number shows how many SPOKEN lines each role has. An asterisk (*) before the character's name indicates that this character ALSO has solo sung or rapped lines.
| Character Name | Number of Lines |
|---|---|
| Will | 48 |
| Aubrey | 42 |
| Anne | 26 |
| Al | 26 |
| Ollie | 18 |
| *Burbage | 17 |
| *Nic | 14 |
| Director | 14 |
| Street | 14 |
| Mac | 13 |
| Lutenist | 12 |
| *Juliet | 12 |
| *Romeo | 11 |
| Recorder Player | 10 |
| Banquo | 10 |
| Queen | 10 |
| Bernie | 5 |
| Beth | 4 |
| Sorcerer 4 | 4 |
| Painter 4 | 4 |
| Beer Seller | 4 |
| Fan 1 | 3 |
| Fan 2 | 3 |
| Fan 3 | 3 |
| Fan 4 | 3 |
| Man 1 | 3 |
| Sorcerer 5 | 3 |
| Actor 1 | 3 |
| Actor 4 | 3 |
| Hamnet | 2 |
| Judith | 2 |
| Man 2 | 2 |
| Woman 1 | 2 |
| Beryl | 2 |
| Sorcerer 1 | 2 |
| Sorcerer 2 | 2 |
| Sorcerer 3 | 2 |
| Painter 1 | 2 |
| Painter 2 | 2 |
| Painter 3 | 2 |
| Builder 1 | 2 |
| Apple Seller | 2 |
| Susanna | 1 |
| Man 3 | 1 |
| Man 4 | 1 |
| Woman 2 | 1 |
| Woman 3 | 1 |
| Woman 4 | 1 |
| Babs | 1 |
| Actor 2 | 1 |
| Actor 3 | 1 |
| Heckler | 1 |
| Builder 2 | 1 |
Non speaking roles: - *Minstrels 1-4 (Rappers) plus four (miming) Instrumentalist Minstrels, four more Builders, another apple seller and another beer seller. Also four Theatregoers and two Box Office Attendants, some of whom also play the Chorus of Fans in Scene 6.
Suggested Cast List For 30 Actors
N.B. In the following list, the number shows how many SPOKEN lines each role has. An asterisk (*) before the character's name indicates that this character ALSO has solo sung or rapped lines.
| Character Name | Number of Lines |
|---|---|
| Will | 48 |
| Aubrey | 42 |
| Anne | 26 |
| Al | 26 |
| Queen also plays *Juliet | 22 |
| Hamnet also plays Actor 2, covering Actor 4's lines and also plays Mac | 19 |
| Ollie | 18 |
| *Burbage | 17 |
| *Romeo also plays Actor 1 & Actor 3 | 15 |
| Woman 2 also plays Director | 15 |
| *Nic | 14 |
| Street | 14 |
| Man 1 also plays Man 3 and Banquo | 14 |
| Lutenist also plays *Minstrel 1, *Minstrel 3, Trumpet Player 1 & Drum Player | 12 |
| Recorder Player also plays *Minstrels 2 and *4, Trumpet Player 2 & Cymbal Player | 10 |
| Man 2 also plays Man 4 and Bernie | 8 |
| Fan 1 covers Fan 3's lines and also plays Builder 1 | 8 |
| Fan 2 covers Fan 4's lines and also plays Builder 2 | 7 |
| Sorcerer 1 covers Sorcerer 3 and Sorcerer 5's lines | 7 |
| Woman 1 also plays Beth | 6 |
| Sorcerer 2 covers Sorcerer 4's lines | 6 |
| Painter 2 covers Painter 4's lines | 6 |
| Painter 1 covers Painter 3's lines and also plays Heckler | 5 |
| Woman 3 covers Woman 4's lines and also plays Apple-Seller | 4 |
| Beer Seller | 4 |
| Judith also plays Babs | 3 |
| Susanna also plays Beryl | 3 |
Non speaking roles: - Two Theatregoers and one Box Office Attendant, all of whom also play the Chorus of Fans in Scene 6.
"Shakespeare" Word Image
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Book Cover Artwork
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Alternate Book Cover Artwork
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Will Shakespeare Head Image
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Shakespeare Rocks!
"This was an incredible school musical! We had so much fun putting it together. The script was witty interesting, as a play it was easily adaptable for different cast sizes and the songs were so catchy! This was a roaring success and we will be looking forward to repeating this in a few years time!"Sarah Rose, Abbey Lane Primary , Sheffield
Shakespeare Rocks!
"Our students loved learning these songs in class. "Danielle Looker, William Tyndale, London
Shakespeare Rocks!
"I have just purchased Shakespeare Rocks! this show for the second time for a different school where I teach performing arts. We are in California, U.S. Our students love Musicline's shows. We have so far produced Shakespeare Rocks!, Olivia!, and Rock Bottom. All excellent! Our students love the humor and the songs are always catchy and easy to learn. The shows have just enough dialogue for each student to learn. We ordered the editable versions so that we can make adjustments to some of the British terms and make them user friendly for our U.S. audiences. Hopefully we get to do this years performance taking into account the Covid 19 lockdowns. Thanks Musicline Direct for publishing great accessible shows at a price that educational institutions can afford. Disney Jr. is too expensive to meet many schools budget restrictions. You Rock!!"Karen Twight, Performers of Pacheco School - POPS, Redding, CA, U.S.A.
Shakespeare Rocks!
"We absolutely loved Shakespeare Rocks. The songs and script were brilliant and so much fun. We were able to easily split up some of the parts to ensure that all 88 of the cast had a speaking role. Everyone commented on how much fun it was and the children loved every minute. It was accessible to all and so enjoyable to direct and perform. I still can't get the songs out of my head a month later!"Laura Rodgers, Dulwich College (Singapore), Singapore
Shakespeare Rocks!
"Fantastic songs, great play with students learning about Shakespeare without even knowing it! A big hit, even in Australia!!"Ginny Macpherson, Collaroy Plateau Public School, Sydney, Australia, Sydney
Shakespeare Rocks!
"We recently did this production with our drama club and it is without a doubt one of the best shows I have done. The songs are brilliant, catchy, fun and easy to learn and all the children and parents loved it! "Helen Thornton, Wylye Valley Primary School, Codford
Shakespeare Rocks!
"This was literally the most fun, the most engaging and the most child-friendly introduction to Shakespeare I have seen. It was a brilliant show which is clever, witty and completely fun to perform and watch. Our Y5 and Y6 students looked fantastic and performed it well due to the simplicity of the script and scores. Fantastic."Joya Noble, The Regent's School, Bangkok, Thailand
Shakespeare Rocks!
"I have been teaching for 25 years now, and I hope I can call myself successful, but out of everything I have ever done in education, putting on this musical was the best thing ever."David Hawkins, Great Berry, Basildon, Essex
Shakespeare Rocks!
"If anyone is looking for the most incredible musical for Upper Juniors, Shakespeare Rocks is the best I have ever had the pleasure to direct. Each song is superb, the music and lyrics are amazing and the children and parents loved every minute of it. Please publish more of the same. The quality of the backing tracks is exceptional and made it easy to work with the children . We are still singing the songs in September and our show was last June!!! FABULOUS!!! "Theresa Jane Patterson, British School of Gran Canaria, El Sabinal, Gran Canaria
Shakespeare Rocks!
"The songs are catchy, the script does not get children confused and gives everyone a chance in the limelight "Isaac Wilson, All Saints C.E Primary School, Clayton-Le-Moors
Shakespeare Rocks!
"You uncorked a veritable genie from a bottle with this fantastic idea and thank you for all the joy you gave, the up-tempo modern kick, the literary links and the sheer feel-good vibe that gave our school such a boost. Your songs just keep rolling around my head. Brilliant and thank you! "Lance Andrews, Yateley Manor Prep School, Hants
Shakespeare Rocks!
"Absolutely brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! The music was truly amazing. Our 94 year 6 pupils loved every one of the songs and the difference that made to their performance was evident in the energy and enthusiasm they put into it. The only problem now is this: what on earth are we going to do next year to match it? I highly recommend using Singit, which made the job of learning the songs simple. What a great resource! Unfortunately the scenery wasn't available when we bought the play but it sounds fabulous."Nadine Shackley, Dorridge Primary School
Shakespeare Rocks!
"What a fantastic script and as for the Music................ just brilliant. My Year 5's performed this to amazed parents last week. They loved every minute of it, and the children definitely think that Shakespeare Rocks! I can't wait to do this again in the future. Steve, PLEASE write some more!!"Sue Halton - Head of Prep Drama, Pipers Corner School, Great KIngshill
Shakespeare Rocks!
"This is by far the best musical for kids and youth I have ever seen or directed. The music was wonderful and the kids sang their hearts out! It gave everyone a moment to shine and they loved it! The parents were awe struck by the kids performance's. Some said they would have never imagined their child could sing or perform flawlessly like they did. When the kid's like the music, they will go above and beyond and that is what mine did. When you get a standing ovation from middle school kids, you have accomplished the impossible. Even the adults learned something new about Shakespeare. The kids cannot wait for our next production and we have already been asked to go on tour!!! Wonderful, everyone should do this musical."Vicki Vickers, Bacon Theater Children's Playhouse/Bacon County Schools, Alma
Shakespeare Rocks!
"The production went down a real treat and was a hit with both parents and with the performing children (upper and lower juniors). The songs were great - far better than the mundane Xmas songs that we usually bore our way through. The children loved singing them and as a result, rehearsals were much less stressful (and sometimes quite enjoyable). The whole play lasted less than an hour, even with a few extra dances 'shoved in'. Definitely worth the cost."Steve, Sedbergh Primary, Sedbergh
Shakespeare Rocks!
"I just wanted to let you know that we are rehearsing for your brilliant show 'Shakespeare Rocks'. The children really love the songs, and laugh at all the jokes. The 'Sing it!' package with the CD-ROM has been so useful in teaching the songs. The whole school is involved in the production, and all their topic work at the moment is based on Shakespeare. They have learned so many facts from your songs... and have enjoyed the challenge of finding out where your 'artistic licence' does take over! The singing on the CD is excellent."Stella Mcgann - Music/Drama teacher, St Werburgh's Catholic Primary School, Birkenhead
Shakespeare Rocks!
"Definitely the best script I have ever read."Nicola Laud, Year 6 teacher, Lincolnshire
Shakespeare Rocks!
"An utterly brilliant introduction to Shakespeare; oh... those songs!"Year 6 teacher, Rayleigh, Essex
Shakespeare Rocks!
"If this doesn't engage children and have them eating out of our hands, then nothing will! "Kim Biggs, Music Teacher, Holbeach CP School
Shakespeare Rocks!
"We loved the fact that the "Word Doc." Script enabled us to adapt the production to our own needs, namely, the inclusion of extra scenes so every class from Reception to Year 6 could be included. Our children loved the songs and we now wait with bated breath for Steve Titford's next offering."Kenneth Kies , Headteacher, Eden Park Primary School, Brixham, Devon
Song Samples
FREE "Sing it!" app!
Get our FREE "Karaoke-Style" Sing it! app on iOS and Android and enjoy many, many FREE Sing it! tracks.
Full songs also available on...
