Secrets of Acting Shakespeare: The Original Approach

by Patrick Tucker

Secrets of Acting Shakespeare isn’t a book that gently instructs. It is a passionate, yes-you-can guide designed to prove that anybody can act Shakespeare. Patrick Tucker’s classic manual encourages trained and amateur actors alike to look to the original practices of the Elizabethan theatre for inspiration. He explores the ‘cue scripts’ used by actors, who knew only their own lines, to demonstrate the extraordinary way that these plays work by ear. This updated second edition Secrets of Acting Shakespeare is a must-read for actors intrigued by the ‘Original Approach’ to acting Shakespeare, or for anyone curious about how the Elizabethan theater worked.

Genres: Shakespeare, Nonfiction, Theatre

394 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

So helpful! Not having done a production this way, I still feel hesitant about some of the advice (especially the idea that women playing men shouldn't make any vocal/physical adjustments, just change their hair and makeup - I vote for ALL those changes). But as I have spent the last few years doing a LOT of Shakespeare, leaning into the First Folio and letting Shakespeare direct me from the page has been invaluable.

[Jeremy Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely amazing book. Incredibly insightful and brilliant. Anyone who's curious as to what Shakespeare and his fellow actors did to prepare themselves for a show should look at this book and discover Tucker's genius. A fascinating read to say the least, Tucker gives wonderful insight to early stage techniques that have since been abandoned and in many cases, forgotten. Tucker brings the bard into a brand new light that is both revealing and enticing.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the first folio technique. I would give this book five stars, but the chapter where he talks about all the performances is a little too long. The book is worth the buy for the last chapters, where he goes into the folio technique/secrets and the OSC Checklist.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like an excellent introduction to first folio techniques.

[Tony Pisculli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread in Kindle format

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the way I'd want to do every show, but invaluable.