Happy Shakespeare 400

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This month, the world celebrates 400 years of William Shakespeare. Across the globe, a whole range of activities are taking place: from special performances to film screenings, you don't have to look far to see people coming together to commemorate the world's greatest playwright. 

In Kentish Town, our neighbours were only too keen to join in the celebrations. Klara, Laura and the gang came together to share their stories, memories and knowledge of Shakespeare. Ken treated us to a few lines from Julius Caesar. Rosemarie told us of the time she played Rosalind in As You Like It. And Liz wowed us with facts about the Bard!

Neighbours' Shakespeare knowledge was then put to a test with a quiz. How many children did Shakespeare have? Is "What's past is prologue" hip-hop or Shakespeare? From which play comes the line "The course of true love never did run smooth"? (Tweet us your answers!)

The Globe Trotters team went head-to-head with Romeos' and Juliets'; Beauty and The Beast were snatching points from We came to conquer. It was a tense hour but it was Bawdy Bardy  that took the title of Shakespeare buffs!

After a short interval of tea and cake, we asked our neighbours to be vicious. In a once and never again moment at North London Cares, our neighbours insulted each other. Of course, it was all done in jest; volunteers and older neighbours unleashed their inner actors and used Shakespearian words to abuse their fellow teammates.

The title of most mean was rewarded to Rosemarie and Virdon. Their winning insult can be seen below:

It was a magical afternoon, celebrating a playwright whose words are just as powerful, magical and moving 400 years on. Indeed, through speaking Shakespeare, we were reminded that age really doesn't matter. It's people that matter. It's words. It's love, anger, sorrow, humour, mishaps – it's experience that brings us together. If "all the world's a stage", it's the company of others that makes our own leading roles so much brighter. And as insults were being exchanged across the room to fits of laughter, we were reminded of a line from The Tempest 

"I would not wish any companion in the world but you." 

Finally, here's a small gift from our neighbours in Kentish Town. Many thanks for beautiful performances from James, Roy, Klara, Virdon and Rosemarie. Enjoy!