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Blink to publish the story of Brexit as told by William Shakespeare

Blink to publish the story of Brexit as told by William Shakespeare

Blink Publishing, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, is publishing a hilarious Brexit-inspired ‘comedy of errors’ in the style of Shakespeare, entitled William Shakespeare’s Brexit by Boris Starling.

Following a direct approach, Joel Simons, senior editor at Blink, acquired World Rights from Juliet Mushens at Caskie Mushens, with the book publishing on the 17th of October 2019.

William Shakespeare’s Brexit reimagines the story of the UK’s acrimonious break from the EU as a Shakespearean tragedy, told hilariously in wonderful iambic pentameter. A story of cynical electioneering and poisoned political scheming, featuring star turns from Boris Johnson, Theresa May and David Cameron, the book is the perfect satire for anyone interested in politics, humour, or even a little bit of Am-dram.

“William Shakespeare would have had a field day with the power-plays, political shenanigans and language games in the Commons in the past few years.”

Joel Simons, senior editor, Blink

The audiobook, simultaneously released on 17 October, is performed by an ensemble cast of impressionists including Spitting Image veterans Steve Nallon as David Cameron and Kate Robbins as Theresa May, with Will Barton as Boris Johnson, and Dugald Bruce Lockhart as Michael Gove. The multicast production will also include Elizabethan music and on-stage sound effects.

Joel Simons, senior editor at Blink, said: “As we enter the latest phase of the enduring Brexit saga, what better way to relive some of its most memorable moments than via the pen of our greatest ever writer? William Shakespeare would have had a field day with the power-plays, political shenanigans and language games in the Commons in the past few years.”

“William Shakespeare understood the dark heart of man’s motivations better than almost any other writer in history … The ever-enduring political saga is the perfect Shakespearean drama – full of scheming, plotting, humour and a fluttering of dramatic irony. It’s been a joy to write.”

Boris Starling

Boris Starling said: “William Shakespeare understood the dark heart of man’s motivations better than almost any other writer in history and would have found deep fascination with figures at the heart of Brexit. The ever-enduring political saga is the perfect Shakespearean drama – full of scheming, plotting, humour and a fluttering of dramatic irony. It’s been a joy to write.”

The book is being published to coincide with the EU Summit in Brussels, followed closely by the official Brexit date on the 31st of October.

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