Rogue Shakespeare to Return to Hollywood Fringe

Famed British playwright/director/actor/poet, Ryan J-W Smith, "The Bard Mark Two - genius!" (BBC) and his internationally award-winning Rogue Shakespeare theatre company return to the Hollywood Fringe this summer. Last year, Smith's multiple award-winning verse play 'Love Labours Won' garnered two Hollywood Fringe awards, including the coveted International Award. This year Rogue Shakespeare is presenting the world premiers of two new Smith verse plays at the Hollywood Fringe - 'MacDeth!' and 'Sweet Love Adieu'.

MacDeth!, as the title implies, is a farcical parody of MacBeth - "MacBeth gone wrong", to quote Smith, who also stars in the title role. While, Sweet Love Adieu, "turns one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies (Romeo and Juliet) and turns it into a hysterical comedy" (British Theatre Guide). First published and performed in 2001, Smith completely rewrote Sweet Love Adieu (his first play) in just 4 days early this January. After 2 days off, he then wrote MacDeth! in a week. Smith puts his ferocious writing speed down to him having written over 1,460 Shakespearean sonnets - making him a world-record holder by a considerable margin (Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets in his lifetime). Both shows are written entirely in original rhyming iambic couplets, in Smith's unique and widely-praised style.

Tickets go on sale May 1st via the Hollywood Fringe website. Given that last year Smith's Love Labours Won, which wasn't even listed in the Fringe Guide, sold out quickly, audiences are encouraged to book fast to see Smith and Rogue Shakespeare work their internationally recognized magic.

MacDeth! (65mins) runs June 2, 9, 17, 23 and 25 at the Ruby Theatre, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood Theatre Row. Sweet Love Adieu (95mins) runs June 4, 10, 19, 24 and 25 at the McCadden Theatre, 1157 N. McCadden Pl., Hollywood Theatre Row. Times vary for both - see the Rogue Shakespeare website for details.

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