Orlando Shakes Presents THE 11TH ANNUAL JOHN R. HAMILTON MOCK TRIAL: DENMARK V. CLAUDIUS

The Margeson Theater will transform into a hilarious, interactive courtroom as Hamlet's uncle, Claudius, is put on trial for the murder of King Amleth. See actors from Orlando Shakes' productions of Hamlet and Gertrude and Claudius take the meaning of live theater to a whole new level in an over-the-top, rollicking trial amidst a panel of celebrity judges. Kimberly A. Ashby of Foley & Lardner LLP, and Nicholas A. Shannin, Esq. of The Shannin Law Firm, will return as advocates.* Tickets go on sale to the general public on January 29, 2019.

The event includes an opportunity to mingle with leading members of Central Florida's legal, business, and artistic communities in a pre-show VIP reception. Starting at 6:00 p.m., all VIP ticket holders are invited to enjoy hors d'oeuvres, beer, and wine.

Since 2009, Orlando Shakes has hosted mock trials that explore contemporary legal thought using classic plays as their template, resulting in a zany event hailed as live theater meets Judge Judy. The Mock Trial assembles a panel of local celebrity judges to hear a case based on one of the season's Signature Series productions and argued by notable attorneys in Central Florida. This year's judges panel includes Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel "Taking Names" Columnist; The Honorable Belvin Perry, Jr., Attorney at Morgan & Morgan; and LaFontaine Oliver, President & General Manager at WMFE.

Past mock trials have put Mother Nature on trial for the havoc she's wrought on Shakespeare's characters in The Tempest vs. Pericles, considered whether William Shakespeare was guilty of plagiarism, and addressed a contentious Darcy v. Wickham defamation lawsuit based on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

*Participants are subject to change without prior notice.