Outrageous Fortune

I have become simply addicted of late to a little Canadian TV series dating from 2003 named "Slings and Arrows." As the title suggests, it revolves around a struggling Shakespearean theater company in the imaginary little Canadian town of New Burbage Recall that Richard Burbage was the star of the Lord Chamberlain's Men -- later the King's Men -- the Bard's company. It is simply delightful. The series appeared on American cable -- Bravo I think -- a few years ago, and several of my classically minded friends caught it at that time.

While hilariously funny, it also contains more than a few splendid insights into the art of the stage and acting and directing technique. I commend it to all who enjoy Shakespeare, or brainy comedy.

A taste from the lyrics of one of its ditties:

Cheer up, Hamlet; chin up, Hamlet;
Buck up, you melancholy Dane!
So your uncle is a cad who murdered Dad and married Mum.
That's really no excuse to be as glum as you've become!
So wise up, Hamlet; rise up, Hamlet; perk up and sing a new refrain.
Your incessant monologizing fills the castle with ennui.
Your antic disposition is embarrassing to see.
And by the way, you sulky brat, the answer is to be!
You're driving poor Ophelia insane.
So shut up, you rogue and peasant;
Grow up, it's most unpleasant;
Cheer up, you melancholy Dane!