Imagine the biggest comedic star of Shakespeare's stage, taken from battle, and dropped into a love triangle. Huzzah! Tim and Sarah-Jane Bentley celebrate the return of Falstaff.

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Teaching Shakespeare: Why do so many students hate Shakespeare? Probably because the way his plays are taught. Let's get out of our desks and onto a stage! Tim talks to two guests about why performing is the key to understanding and loving Shakespeare.

Teaching Shakespeare

I like to call this act "duke ex machina." The Duke returns, ready to solve everyone's problems. Plus, a special guest asks the question, "Did Shakespeare care about his characters?" Plus, after the podcast, Gaelyn and Tim keep talking&nbsp;at home and Gaelyn forms a theory.

Measure for Measure: Act V

It's complicated, okay. In Act 4, the Duke (disguised as the Friar) is a puppet master, pulling strings, saving prisoners, ending lives. He also&nbsp;forms a secret plot with Angelo's jilted fiancé. See, it's complicated.

Measure for Measure: Act IV

In Measure for Measure, Act 3, Isabella breaks the news to her brother: He will be executed by Angelo. The only alternative is unthinkable to Isabella. But not to her brother.&nbsp;

Measure for Measure: Act III

The nun, Isabella, asks Angelo to have mercy on her condemned brother. But Angelo is unrelenting. —Unless Isabella is willing to offer something in return. One of the best acts in Shakespeare.

Measure for Measure: Act II

When Angelo is appointed governor, he cleans up Venice, starting with a pregnant couple. Death to the lewd! Except, Angelo sets himself a trap.&nbsp;One of Shakespeare’s hidden gems.&nbsp;

Measure for Measure: Act I

Shakespeare's most confusing play? Twins, separated after a shipwreck, both named Antipholus. Their servants, also separated by shipwreck, both named Dromio. End&nbsp;of&nbsp;the pod: a one-minute Hallmark reel by Pharbeaux.

The Comedy of Errors

A sequel to&nbsp;Julius Caesar, starring two of the most immature lovers of all time. Or maybe they're mature shape-shifters? Sarah-Jane Bentley makes her case.&nbsp;

Antony and Cleopatra

Discussing Shakespeare One Act at a Time

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&amp;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.

The Play's the Thing

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