William Collins Books and Decca Records proudly present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue showcasing classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. This remarkable collection brings together the complete works of William Shakespeare for the first time as a single downloadable compilation.
In this exquisite collection, you will find all 37 plays, 4 narrative poems, and the celebrated sonnets, all performed by an incredible array of 20th century’s greatest actors. Hear the powerful renditions from legends like Ian McKellen, Timothy West, Diana Rigg, Derek Jacobi, Roy Dotrice, Prunella Scales, and many others as they breathe life into Shakespeare's timeless works.
All plays within the ARGO Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players, a troupe founded in 1907 with a mission to deliver effective verse, respect the integrity of texts, and rescue neglected works of Shakespeare's contemporaries and the lesser-known plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has been performing annually at the Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936, consistently producing some of the most talented actors of their generations.
This collection covers a vast repertoire, including beloved plays such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and The Tempest, alongside lesser-known works like Timon Of Athens and The Rape of Lucrece. Each recording offers a unique listening experience, capturing the brilliance of Shakespeare's language through the artistry of its performers. Whether you are a long-time admirer of Shakespeare or a newcomer to his works, this is a collection that will enchant and inspire.
