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Understudy No. 5 at Etcetera Theatre
Dates: 14/10/2026- 15/10/2026
📍 Theatre: Etcetera Theatre
Fifth Folio Theatre
265 Camden High Street, Camden, London, NW1 7BU
London,
Tickets: $12–$14 — Full £14, Concession £12, Early Bird £12
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A man who speaks in verse is either trying to sell you something or hide a body.
It’s 7pm and rehearsal is finished for the day. A janitor alone on stage finds himself possessed by minor Shakespearean characters unhappy with their lot in the original plays. No longer waiting in the wings, they begin to ask the question: can you achieve true agency when your life has been written already?
And so I thought my thought was free, But shackled so, how can it be?
Understudy No. 5 is a monologue cycle of possession and inversion - the perfect show for clowns, philosophers, and Shakespeare nerds alike. Across one hour, Fifth Folio Theatre’s debut production uncovers the stories taking place behind the scenes of the plays we know all too well.
If a jest be infinite, it hath no end. If it hath no end, there is no time for the laughter to begin. Argal, an infinite jest is entirely unfunny.
Written and performed by Hadrian Conyngham Directed by Warren Rusher Movement Coordination by Dan Hardwell Presented by Fifth Folio Theatre
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Reviews for Understudy No. 5
"Shakespeare must hand his crown to Conyngham." - The Reviews Hub
"It’s a rare and joyous thing to see a creative riff on Shakespeare’s plays that is not only deeply invested in their stories but shows just as much appreciation for the language in which they are told." - Arts Review Hub
"Understudy No. 5 is an intelligent, playful and unusually thoughtful encounter with Shakespeare, strengthened by a committed solo performance from Conyngham." - Theatre Life
“Laughter erupts from a glance alone…Physicality textures every moment; with Dan Hardwell as Movement Coordinator, the production blurs the line between mind and body in Hadrian’s psychophysical performance.” - Elementary WhatsOn
Recommended 14+ at audience's discretion. Content warnings: dementia, panic attacks, death.
Cast and Creative Team for Understudy No. 5 at Etcetera Theatre
Cast
Hadrian Conyngham
Janitor/First Gravedigger/Benvolio/Cobweb/Unnamed Musician
Hadrian Conyngham is a transmasculine London-based actor, writer, and musician, originally from Sydney, Australia. After dropping out of his philosophy post-grad degree, he found himself swept into the tempest of theatre and film, and whirled across the world to the UK on a whim.
Hadrian is an alumnus of Allen & Payne’s GAP Workshops for emerging trans and nonbinary actors, and of Fruit Box Theatre’s RIPE Development Programme. His debut one-person play, Understudy No. 5, had its first showing as part of Old Red Lion Theatre's ShakeFest, to several 4-star reviews. Playing multiple minor Shakespearean characters as well as the clownish janitor possessed by him, reviewers concluded that "Shakespeare must hand his crown to Conyngham" (The Reviews Hub) after the "beautiful play" (Arts Review Hub).
Recent acting credits also include Caliban/Boatswain in The Tempest aboard the Golden Hinde, for which he was praised for his "dynamic physical performance" (West End Best Friend); Peter in Lalu (Waikin Studio); The Official in Unfinished Finished (Théâtre Volière/Poetry Plays); Sam in Swallow (Peculiar Matter), and Dom in The Lesbians of Forest Gate (Unearthed Theatre Company/Newham Heritage Month).
News About Understudy No. 5 at Etcetera Theatre
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About the Theatre
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Etcetera Theatre Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at Etcetera Theatre?
Where is Etcetera Theatre located?
Etcetera Theatre is at 265 Camden High Street, Camden, London, NW1 7BU, London.
What shows have played recently at Etcetera Theatre?
What is the running time?
60 minutes
Is there an intermission?
No
What ages is this show appropriate for?
Recommended for 14+.
Is the theatre accessible?
No
What is the late seating policy?
No latecomers permitted.
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