How did an illiterate son of a glover become the greatest playwright in the world?

He got someone else to write the plays, of course.

Presented by the Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society on Nov. 29 at 7: 30 p.m. and based on the biggest theatrical debate of all time, The Shakespeare Show takes to the main stage to explore this theory. Written almost entirely in iambic pentameter, the story follows Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford as he meets the ghost of Christopher Marlowe, the three witches from MacBeth, Anne Hathaway, the bubonic plague and Queen Elizabeth herself.

The Shakespeare Show is a relentlessly clever, action-packed and intellectually satisfying adventure complete with puppets, songs, satire and sword-fights.

Written by Monster Theatre's artistic director Ryan Gladstone, who also stars in the piece, The Shakespeare Show is another hysterical Monster Theatre adventure. Playing numerous characters and with clever rhyming couplets, Ryan Gladstone and Tara Travis's skillful comedy combines Elizabethan and modern references to reveal the mystery behind who really wrote those famous plays. The perfect mix of comedy, history and poetic license from a group dedicated to bringing shared culture to the modern audience, this play is packed with hundreds of direct Shakespeare quotes, perfect for both Shakespeare lovers and people who have never seen a Shakespeare play.

In the witty, crafty Shakespeare Show's imaginary world, Mr. Shakespeare (Gladstone) is an Elizabethan parking attendant who holds the steeds of the wealthy as they attend the theatre. The dapper Earl of Oxford (Tara Travis) has time on his hands and poetry in his heart, but high society frowns on theatre so he needs a dupe to present his plays. Just like one of his tragic heroes, Oxford sets his own tragedy in motion by using young Will Shakespeare, the boy who holds the horses outside the theatre, as a front for his playwriting ventures.

Through hilarious, irreverent comedy, the theory that the plays of William Shakespeare were actually penned by Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, is explored in this hysterical show full of physical comedy and Shakespearian spoofs. A pure delight for audiences, don't miss this opportunity to take another look at Shakespeare.

? For tickets call the centre box office at 604-391-SHOW (7469), visit in person or purchase online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca.