A Review By Keith Smith

“Shakespeare on Toast” knocks the stuffing from our schoolday fears of Shakespeare, revealing the man and his plays for what they really are: modern, thrilling and uplifting drama. Actor and author Ben Crystal brings the bright words and colourful characters of the world’s greatest writer brilliantly to life, handing over the key to Shakespeare’s plays, unlocking the so called difficult bits and, astonishingly, finding Shakespeare’s own voice amid the poetry. Told in five fascinating Acts, “Shakespeare on Toast” reveals both the man and his work to be relevant, accessible and full of beans.

Told in expert terms but with an extremely light touch, Ben Crystal wants us to be as enthusiastic about Shakespeare as he is, and he gets his way! Full of fascinating background detail, the book shows us how Shakespeare’s plays should be enjoyed – live and lively, not from the written word – and he gets us to go past all our hang-ups about not understanding the language or finding it too flowery, to really get to grips with the adventures, the tragedies, the drama, the relationships, the ups and downs, the comedy that are what the plays are all about. This is a terrific introduction to Shakespeare, so good that we hope to get Ben to give us what is sure to be an absorbing and amusing insight into the man, his plays and his times some time during the summer. Watch out for more details…….