ONLINE THEATRE REVIEW: Shakes Versus Shav - The Shaw Society on Youtube.

If you weren't aware, as indeed like me, that such a piece of literature exists, then think again. This is a short "play", written in 1949 by George Bernard Shaw, and yes it is indeed called, 'Shakes Versus Shav'. What it amounts to is an argument between G B Shaw (the Shav in the story), and William Shakespeare (Shakes), as to who is the better writer. 

Lasting just over 8 minutes it is a bizarre premise and an even more bizarre argument, especially when you realise that the writer of this piece is Shaw himself. Bombastic and egoistic in the extreme, you might think.. but then I would be telling if I gave the answer away wouldn't I? You'll have to watch it for yourselves to find out the outcome of their argument. 

Performed and produced by The Shaw Society, this Youtube play presents itself - very deliberately - like a Monty Python sketch (they even use the same theme music!), and since it was produced during the coronavirus lockdowns, the characters are in their own spaces and interact via Zoom. I do feel that some form of costuming would have been preferable though, rather than the cast simply using their everyday 20th century attire.

I enjoyed the opening - a short extract from, 'My Astonishing Self' - which featured a great life-like G B Shaw puppet (courtesy of Animo TV)., and this intro served the piece well, as it sets Shaw up as the literary narcissist he was. 

This intellectual Punch And Judy show is short, precise, and well observed, and is a lovely introduction to and insight into one of Ireland's more famous writers.

Reviewer - Chris Benchley
on - 19.11.21