Vivian French has a writing challenge for you! Put your imagination to the test and write a pre-scene to one of Shakespeare's plays.
How might Lady Macbeth have spent her time while her husband was away at war? What happens in the play that the Rude Mechanicals don't get to perform in a Midsummer Night's Dream? What would Lear's daughters have gossiped about over a cup of tea?
Hear Vivian reading extracts from her book, The Steam Whistle Theatre Company
Learn more about the Victorian enthusiasm for altering Shakespeare's works
Think about how you might have a go at altering his works yourself
Let us know how you get on with your writing by sharing an extract on social media using the hashtag #ShakespeareFromHome