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The Play's the Thing

CiRCE Podcast Network
As You Like It
Measure For Measure
Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
Isabella
Macbeth
Antony and Cleopatra
Claudio
Romantic Love
Ambition
Fate
Angelo
Mark Antony
Cleopatra
Comedy
Mariana
Duke
Lord Angelo
Gender Roles
Supernatural

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 t... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes192Founded8 years ago
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Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Play's the Thing

Latest Episodes

Join Tim, Heidi, and Sarah-Jane as they discuss love and death, the differences between Romeo and Juliet as they encounter death, personal and public interpretations of the play, and whether or not the families within the story actually learned anyth... more

Act IV of Romeo and Juliet examines the fallout from Tybalt and Mercutio's violent deaths. Join Tim, Heidi, and Sarah-Jane as they discuss Shakespeare's love of strong women, the connections between love and death, and whether or not Romeo is indeed ... more

Join Tim, Heidi, and Sarah-Jane as they discuss Mercutio and Tybalt's death and Romeo's fleeing in exile. Plus, they take up the question, what is "the form of a man?"

The Play's the Thing is produced by Goldberry Studios for the CiRCE Podcast Networ... more

Join Tim, Heidi, and Sarah-Jane as they discuss Mercutio, Friar Lawrence, fate and fortune, the famous balcony scene, and what actually is in a name, anyway . . .

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
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Recent Guests

Mary Pat Rogers
Has a master's degree from the University of Dallas and teaches rhetoric, Latin, and British literature, especially Shakespeare.
University of Dallas
Episode: Measure for Measure: Act V

Hosts

Tim McIntosh
Host of The Play's the Thing
Heidi White
Co-host and commentator on Hamlet, Host of The Play's the Thing
Andrew Kern
Co-host and expert on Shakespeare, President of the CiRCE Institute
David Kern
Host of The Play's the Thing

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 372 ratings
  • So thankful!

    I am so thankful to have found this podcast. What a delight! My Shakespeare cup runneth over!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    torahforall
    United States5 months ago
  • To be Hamlet

    I have been enjoying your Hamlet series. As a literature teacher who knows every line of the full play, there are moments when I find your interpretations challenging me to think of beloved scenes in new ways. At others, I find myself talking back to where my ear pods shut off. Your discussion of Fortinbras in act 4 was one such place. Fortinbras is Hamlet’s foil, which Hamlet makes clear in the battlefield scene. Our protagonist envies Fortinbras. He is resolute, strong of mind and conviction—a... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    KTP1915
    United States9 months ago
  • MacBeth

    This was an awesome discussion of MacBeth. I thought I knew the play well but I gained so much from listening to these episodes. Thank you!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    elbybo
    United States10 months ago
  • Love it!

    This podcast is absolutely the best analysis of Shakespeare’s plays that you will find anywhere. The hosts are incredibly knowledgeable. I have been teaching high school English for many years, and I always listen to “The Play’s the Thing” before teaching a Shakespearean play. It’s so refreshing to find a classical approach to literature nowadays. Thank you!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kelms80
    United Statesa year ago
  • Very Shakespearian!

    This podcast is so fun to listen to when I’m studying a Shakespeare play-and when I’m reading one for fun! If you like the podcast Close Reads, then you will love this podcast too! It’s the Shakespeare version. :) :)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LiteraryLover📚
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The hosts are acknowledged for their engaging banter and dynamic interactions, making complex literature relatable.
Listeners appreciate the scholarly and accessible analysis of Shakespeare's works, which enhances their understanding and enjoyment of the plays.
Many find the discussions insightful, particularly how the hosts connect Shakespeare's themes to modern life.
There are mentions of a desire for more concise delivery and a preference for fewer long pauses during discussions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#205
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#227
South Africa/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Romeo + Juliet: Act III (rerun)
Q: What is Friar Laurence asking Romeo?
He challenges Romeo's disintegration after killing Tybalt and emphasizes that Romeo should remember his identity and not succumb to despair.
Romeo + Juliet: Act III (rerun)
Q: Is his love for his enemy because his enemy is related to Juliet?
They discuss whether Romeo's ability to love Tybalt stems from his relationship with Juliet or if it's a transformation within Romeo himself that transcends familial ties.
Romeo + Juliet: Act I (rerun)
Q: What are Romeo and Juliet's rivals in the popular imagination?
There aren't many clear rivals, as Romeo and Juliet's influence in popular culture is very distinct.
Romeo + Juliet: Act I (rerun)
Q: What makes The Play so enduring?
It depicts romantic love in a way that's idealized and transcendent, making it resonate with many people.
Hamlet: Q&A (rerun)
Q: How would Hamlet's dad react to the end of the play?
Hamlet's father might be indifferent to the aftermath, glad that his murderer is dead, but not caring about the wider human suffering caused by the revenge.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Play's the Thing

What is The Play's the Thing about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast serves as an in-depth exploration of Shakespeare's works, dedicating multiple episodes to dissecting each play through its acts and unique themes. The discussions focus on key characters, intricate plot developments, and philosophical inquiries, highlighting both popular and lesser-known plays from the Bard's oeuvre. Listeners can expect a rich dialogue filled with scholarly insights, making complex literature accessible and engaging for both seasoned Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers. With an inclusive approach, the podcast not only celebrates Shakespeare's artistry but also invites reflection on timeless human experiences depicted in his works.

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How many listeners does The Play's the Thing get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Play's the Thing?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Play's the Thing:

1. The Literary Life Podcast
2. Read-Aloud Revival ®
3. Bright Hearth
4. The World and Everything In It
5. Close Reads Podcast

How many episodes of The Play's the Thing are there?

The Play's the Thing launched 8 years ago and published 192 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Play's the Thing?

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What guests have appeared on The Play's the Thing?

Recent guests on The Play's the Thing include:

1. Mary Pat Rogers

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