Dungeons and Shakespeare brings interactive RPG theatre to Edinburgh Fringe

Dungeons and Shakespeare, a production by Best Medicine Productions, is performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Created and performed by Shelby Bond, a classically trained actor from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, the show blends tabletop roleplaying game mechanics with classic literature.

Unlike traditional actual play shows where audiences watch actors play, this interactive production invites audience members to take on the roles of Shakespearean characters and Dungeons & Dragons monsters. The show utilizes simplified mechanics and large dice rolls to drive a fast-paced narrative, making it accessible to both gamers and non-gamers.

Bond, who has performed the concept nearly 900 times, acts as a games master to guide the improvisational chaos and ensure narrative momentum. The production has been noted for its ability to merge timeless Shakespearean tropes with the unpredictable nature of live tabletop gaming.