King Lear

Be prepared for the worst: King Lear does not end happily, a tragedy in every sense of the word.

This is a play to get your teeth into – and you'll need a good set of teeth. The dark reality which it portrays has been too much for some, and it has often been performed re-written with a happy ending. Talk about missing the point! Yes, in the random process of life, the goodies die – Lear and his daughter Cordelia – and our hopes are dashed. This is what we need to face.

Many regard King Lear as Shakespeare's greatest play, and it is hard to disagree. The language is (of course) magnificent, the plot compelling, and the vision all-encompassing.

Swallow this Shot and feel the effect – with any luck it will go straight to your head