SHAKESPEARE RETOLD: Modern Words. Original Rhythm.
Don’t just read the meaning – feel the heartbeat. A line-by-line retelling that preserves Shakespeare's iambic pentameter in clear, modern English.
“A dazzling success.” – Stephen Fry
THE ESSENTIAL FREE GUIDE FOR STUDENTS, ACTORS AND THEATREGOERS.
Tragedies
Comedies
Histories
Why Shakespeare Retold?
Learn faster: a clear modern English line sits beneath every original line – no cross-referencing.
Keep the poetry: retellings stay in verse so rhythm and tone remain – no clumsy prose.
Enjoy learning: lyrical guidance keeps the story singing – and your momentum going.
“Schools and colleges will stamp and cheer with unrestrained gratitude and delight. These reinterpretations are a dazzling success.”
— STEPHEN FRY, actor & writer
Played Malvolio for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
SHAKESPEARE RETOLD FAQs
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A modern English companion to Shakespeare – each original line sits above a plain-English line so you can follow sense and rhythm while you read.
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Yes – you can read all published plays for free (ad supported), or buy the print/eBook here.
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In matching verse – each modern line keeps the iambic beat and shape of the original so the poetry’s feel is preserved.
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Absolutely – each scene includes summaries, key quotes and study prompts with suggested answers to help you prepare with confidence.
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Yes – teachers and directors often read both lines aloud.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S LIFE – a quick guide
A clear timeline of the playwright’s life – from Stratford to the Globe – with key dates, people and places.
“ When tackling Hamlet for The Royal Shakespeare Company…the Shakespeare Retold series would have helped me immensely. Every actor would benefit from these compelling translations.”
— PAAPA ESSIEDU, ACTOR
Played Hamlet for The Royal Shakespeare Company