The Bard's Back, but Not as You Know Him
William Shakespeare has been reimagined in a hilarious sketch on "SNL U.K." The show's take on the iconic playwright, "Hamnet," sees a hipster Shakespeare returning home to his family after a stint in London. Gone is the traditional image of the Bard; in its place is a young man sporting a "cunty little earring" and a "slutty little chain" on his electric scooter.
Shakespeare's wife, played by Tina Fey, is taken aback by her husband's new look and attitude. "London hath changed thee," she says, to which Shakespeare responds, "Thou art in Stratford upon Avon, and I've been in London upon ketamine." The sketch is a witty commentary on the changing times and the influence of London on the young playwright.
The sketch is not the only joke aimed at British institutions; "SNL U.K." also pokes fun at Paddington Bear in a skit where a bear is let loose on guests at an immersive experience. The skit is a clever send-up of the beloved children's character and the lengths people will go to for entertainment.
The "Hamnet" spoof on "SNL U.K." is a clever nod to Nigeria's own vibrant literary scene, where Shakespeare's works continue to inspire new generations of writers and artists. The sketch's use of slang and pop culture references will resonate with young Nigerians who are familiar with Afrobeats and Nollywood. Meanwhile, the Paddington Bear skit is a hilarious commentary on the lengths people will go to for entertainment, a theme that is all too familiar in the Nigerian diaspora community.
