
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.
Latest episodes

May 22, 2024 • 1h 10min
Tim Gets Interviewed, with Matt Bianco
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.

May 11, 2024 • 20min
Yearbook!
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 MaedaA Winter's Tale, Act V: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000598309165Sarah-Jane BentleyDid Shakespeare Write Shakespeare's Plays: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000601514978David KernNora Ankrom and Matthew BiancoThe Taming of the Shrew, Act I: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000536529664Favorite Moment at 47:44Tom PopeTitus Andronicus: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/titus-andronicus/id1426679990?i=1000632809960Content Disclaimer at 7:40Favorites Lines at 2:08 or 17:32 (read by Tim) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 26, 2024 • 1h 6min
The Life and Death of King John
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.

Apr 19, 2024 • 53min
The Merry Wives of Windsor
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.

Mar 30, 2024 • 45min
Teaching Shakespeare
Why do students often dread Shakespeare? The answer may lie in traditional teaching methods. Engaging with the text through performance transforms student experiences, fostering confidence and emotional connection. Through anecdotes, the discussion highlights the complexities of characters like Queen Anne and the depth of scenes from 'The Winter’s Tale.' Innovative approaches emphasize accessibility, making Shakespeare's works relatable and enjoyable for young performers. Embrace the stage to unlock the magic of Shakespeare's narratives!

Feb 9, 2024 • 1h 4min
Measure for Measure: Act V
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.

Feb 2, 2024 • 43min
Measure for Measure: Act IV
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.

Jan 19, 2024 • 42min
Measure for Measure: Act III
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.

Jan 12, 2024 • 37min
Measure for Measure: Act II
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.

Dec 29, 2023 • 41min
Measure for Measure: Act I
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.