Is Shakespeare Funny? - The Trial of Shakespeare

Actors Lee Mack & Paterson Joseph & witnesses Richard Ayoade & Professor Emma Smith are set to face real-life lawyers Kate Gallafent KC, Edward Henry KC, Andrew Hochhauser KC & Dinah Rose KC on stage at London’s Criterion Theatre for ‘The Trial of Shakespeare’, a one-off fundraiser on Monday 8 December 2025. This theatrical trial will be conducted by High Court judge Dame Joanna Smith, with proceeds from the event supporting the vital work of Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation.

In this part-scripted, part-improvised one off, comedian Will Kemp has walked out of Shakespeare’s acting company and taken the playwright to court, claiming he was forced out by having to perform Shakespeare’s terrible jokes, night after night. Under the eyes of a High Court judge, top barristers will cross-examine expert scholars and leading actors, as they take to the witness box to defend – or condemn – our national poet.

The cast includes comedian & actor Lee Mack as Kemp, and actor Paterson Joseph as Robert Armin, a performer in Shakespeare’s company; with writer, director & comedian Richard Ayoade and Shakespeare academic Professor Emma Smith as expert witnesses. Theatre & film director Josie Rourke directs, with script by dramatist Jonathan Myerson and barrister Benet Brandreth KC legal adviser. The team of top KCs participating have taken part in some of the biggest cases in recent British history.

The casting of Shakespeare himself and a special surprise witness will be announced shortly