Bit parts in Shakespeare's plays

Molly Mahood has written a wholly original survey of the small supporting roles which abound in Shakespeare's plays. The practice of doubling enabled Elizabethan dramatists to surround their principal characters with a host of lesser Lords, Soldiers, Messengers and Servants. This book argues that Shakespeare was well aware of the contribution that can be made to a play, not only by such memorable bit parts as the Apothecary in Romeo and Juliet, or Macbeth's Porter, but also by the thoughtful and resourceful stage presentation of Second Gentlemen and Third Citizens who have been allotted only a line or two apiece. Professor Mahood explores the different purposes served by such minimal characters, from clearing the stage to epitomising the overall effect of a comedy or tragedy. She then describes the entire corpus of minimal roles in a selection of plays, ranging from the early Richard the Third to The Tempest. In describing the intricate details of each role, the possibilities for cutting or doubling parts and deploying actors around the stage, Professor Mahood has addressed not only the scholar and Shakespeare lover, but also the practical interests of actors and directors.