William Shakespeare is the most celebrated dramatist in the English language, perhaps any language. But who was the man behind the plays? Part one of two.

The Life of Shakespeare: Part One

Join Tim and the crew as they dig deeper into Midsummer!

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Act II

Join Tim, Heidi, and the Andrews as they dig into Act I of one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays: A Midsummer Night's Dream!

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Act I

For years, a handful of cranks have asserted that William Shakespeare didn't write Shakespeare's plays. Someone else (Edward de Vere,&nbsp;Francis Bacon?) wrote Shakespeare's plays, they claim. Impossible, right?! Tim and Sarah Jane were skeptical—until now.&nbsp;

Did Shakespeare Write Shakespeare's Plays

Imagine the Beatles covering an Elvis album. Here, Shakespeare covers Homer. Should be amazing! —Except, it’s not.

The Troilus and Cressida Episode

One of Shakespeare’s earliest plays includes all of his favorite tricks: Love at first sight, friends-as-rivals, and happily ever after.&nbsp;Featuring special guests Ian and Emily Andrews!

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

It's time to answer your questions about A Winter's Tale!

A Winter's Tale: Q&A Episode

The scars don’t disappear. But after Leontes’ rage, this tragedy turns toward reunion and resurrection.&nbsp;

A Winter's Tale: Act V

This week: Does Shakespeare have a philosophy? He does, and he demonstrates it here through a discussion of flowers.

A Winter's Tale: Act IV

This week, Leontes gets what he wants and loses everything. But hope arrives in the most unexpected place.

A Winter's Tale: Act III

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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The Life of Shakespeare: Part One

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A Midsummer Night's Dream: Act I

Did Shakespeare Write Shakespeare's Plays

The Troilus and Cressida Episode