Actors are reciting pop songs like Shakespeare and the results are incredible

Actors are reciting pop songs like they’re Shakespearean verse. Why, you ask? Well, it all began with actor David Fynn who posted this recited soliloquy (which you may recognise as the lyrics to Fresh Prince of Bel Air). 

#15secondshakespeare Here's some ancient text for you. Using the correct pronunciation from the Elizabethan era. This is from one of Shakespeare's lesser seen plays. #acting #craft #bard #hollywood #paleo #squats #organic #dreamz

A post shared by David Fynn (@davidfynnn) on Sep 11, 2015 at 4:40pm PDT

It kicked off a trend – spearheaded by casting agent Amy Hubbard – with tweeters (mainly actors) nominating one another to summon their best diction, enunciation and emotional strife to deliver hit song lyrics in the style of the Bard. Suffice to say, it’s produced some rather wonderful results. 

There’s Amanda Abbington reciting Pharell’s Happy (and she’s nominated partner Martin Freeman – we’ll keep an eye out for his effort).

@FisayoAkinade @rebeccacallard nominate: @RalfLittle Martin Freeman and @daisy_haggard #15secondshakespeare pic.twitter.com/oOCubQG6J4

— amanda abbington (@CHIMPSINSOCKS) September 20, 2015

Her Sherlock co-star has drawn on his wealth of Shakespearean experience for this stirring number. 

@davidfynn @amyhubcast #15secondshakespeare http://t.co/TKctcrgnhe

— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) September 20, 2015

Mark Bonnar should win an Olivier for his rendition of Psy’s Gangnam Style:

Thanks for the nom @amyhubcast Calling @Jason__Watkins @EnzoCilenti and @EdStoppard #15secondshakespeare pic.twitter.com/xVJ5Vvipuf

— Mark Bonnar (@mark_bonnar) September 20, 2015

Sanjeev Bhaskar ran over the time limit for his take on Beatles song I Am The Walrus. We’ll forgive him.

Bit longer #15secondshakespeare @theamzi @michaelxavierUK I nominate @ilangoodman @RichardEGrant @rizmc pic.twitter.com/3iV8HdnXBf

— Sanjeev Bhaskar (@TVSanjeev) September 20, 2015

Aneurin Barnard used some props to recreate Gina G’s Ooh Aagh… Just a Little Bit:

Thank you @amyhubcast so #15secondshakespeare #GinaG pic.twitter.com/jzU5NevAUO

— Aneurin Barnard (@aneurinBarnard) September 19, 2015

True Blood actor Stephen Moyer – aka The Bard of Woking – covered The Jam’s Down in the Tube Station at Midnight…

it's over 15 but U can't rush The Bard Of Woking.
I nominate @alistairpetrie & @IAmJohnAles#15secondshakespeare pic.twitter.com/XX7LF4GcwE

— Stephen Moyer (@smoyer) September 19, 2015

Shaun Dooley channelled Meat Loaf.

Thanks @rebeccacallard I nom @Nina_Wadia @tgoodmanh & @sarajcox #15secondshakespeare pic.twitter.com/gExPh0AtvF

— Shaun Dooley (@shaundooley) September 22, 2015

Lee Ingleby’s take on Kylie Minogue’s lucky is just genius:

@Stobbers @davidfynn here tis. I nominate my fellow fivers @Solemani @OTFagbenle @tom_cullen #15secondshakespeare pic.twitter.com/Wlx791jbaA

— Lee Ingleby (@leeingleby) September 22, 2015

Oops, former EastEnders actress Nina Wadia Did It Again…

@shaundooley @rebeccacallard @tgoodmanh @sarajcox Ha ha. Love it. I nom @TimDownie1 #15secondshakespeare pic.twitter.com/tUdQjrCgkm

— Nina Wadia (@Nina_Wadia) September 22, 2015

Sara Cox Just Wants to Dance With Somebody.

Thank you @shaundooley I nominate @shaunwkeaveny & @grimmers #15secondShakespeare pic.twitter.com/mv0asWIJew

— sara cox (@sarajcox) September 22, 2015

Vlogger Carrie Hope Fletcher joined her Les Mis castmate Emma Kingston for a recital of Baby Got Back…

Myself and @CarrieHFletcher joining #15secondshakespeare thanks @theamzi for nominating! We nominate EVERYONE! pic.twitter.com/FDAxnqPbIU

— Emma Kingston (@emkingston) September 19, 2015

And last – but by no means least – here’s Max Beesley performing… Humpty Dumpty. Thank you, internet. 

@davidfynn #15secondshakespeare
A child friendly approach ? pic.twitter.com/2COIZDYcb9

— max beesley (@maxbeesley7) September 20, 2015

Have you got your tickets to the Radio Times festival? Book now to see Poldark, Sherlock, Peaky Blinders, Grantchester, EastEnders and much, much more. Tickets available here.