
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

Sep 22, 2023 • 46min
Richard III: Act IV
Finally, Richard gets the throne! Now, instead of being the hunter, he is the hunted. Sidebar: How women in mourning so often end civil conflicts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 15, 2023 • 47min
Richard III: Act III
No, please, not Hastings. (Yes, Hastings.) No, not the kids! (Yes, even the sons of Edward VI.) Even while slaughtering friends and children, Richard can still appear as pious as a saint. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 29, 2023 • 54min
Richard III: Act II
Richard III schemes and dreams, taking big steps toward claiming the throne. The big news: Warring factions form a "united league” that is interrupted by Clarence’s murder as as the plot and the blood thicken. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 12, 2023 • 54min
Richard III: Act I
The bloodiest villain. The most famous opening monologue. The most demanding role. Richard III plans to "set the murderous Machiavelli to school!" But he won't get away with it. Or will he? Join Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh for a brilliant opening act. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 25, 2023 • 56min
Pericles!
Is it a tragedy, a comedy, a travelogue, a romance? Whatever the genre, it's probably Shakespeare's least-known play. Join Sophia Maeda, Noah Perrin, and Tim McIntosh as they attempt to decipher the mystery of Pericles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 27, 2023 • 56min
Love's Labours Lost
Four bros attempt to be abstinent scholars. No women. Lots of fasting. Heaps of books. What could possibly go wrong? Almost everything. Thankfully, four women save the bros from themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 26, 2023 • 1h 41min
Dr. Christopher Perrin Joins the Show, Part 2
Join Tim as he continues his Shakespeare-themed conversation with Dr. Christopher Perrin of Classical Academic Press. They tell classical jokes, wonder why people don't like Shakespeare, and liken classical education to cold swim in a strong river. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 19, 2023 • 1h 16min
Dr. Christopher Perrin Joins the Show to Discuss Teaching Shakespeare, Part 1
Join Tim in the first part of a conversation with Dr. Chris Perrin about how to teach Shakespeare, about the neglected virtue of prudence, and about the promise of classical education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 2023 • 40min
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Act V
In this last act, Shakespeare gives lessons on how NOT to write a play and answers the question: What motivates more: Facts or imagination? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 31, 2023 • 34min
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Act IV
Act IV is the "hangover act." The regret act. The foggy act. So join the crew as they dig into the unsettling (but humorous) nature of these climactic scenes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.