Ben Crystal and Shakespeare on Toast

From the back cover of the book: Actor, producer and director Ben Crystal revisits his acclaimed book on Shakespeare for the 400th anniversary of his death. Shakespeare on Toast knocks the stuffing from the staid old myth of the Bard, revealing his plays for what they really are: modern, thrilling, uplifting drama. Crystal explores his language, his life, his world, his sounds, his craft - and, astonishingly, finds Shakespeare's own voice amid the poetry.

Whether you're studying Shakespeare for the first time or you've never set foot near one of his plays but have always wanted to, this book smashes down the walls that have been built up around this untouchable literary figure.

Tonight is the night for the event Shakespeare on Toast and the Original Pronunciation organized by the British Council at The Arts House.

I’ve been looking forward to meeting Ben Crystal in person. I have some of his father's books (David Crystal is his father), and I've watched their really cool YouTube video a few years ago on the introduction to the Original Pronunciation production of Shakespeare and what they reveal about the history of the English language.

I bought Ben Crystal’s book, Shakespeare on Toast sold at the event. The night was a joy. I listened to him make magic by sprouting words to fill us with the wonders of some of Shakespeare's plays. He described how it's like to work with and have an intimate relationship with the legendary playwright.

Seeing Ben Crystal live in action was indeed a real treat!