William Shakespeare - The Birth of Merlin: The Childe Hath Found His Father

Merlin. King Arthur. War betwixt British and Saxons. Uther Pendragon. Collapsing castle foundations, Magicians and spirits, and fighting dragons and a blazing comet. Good entertaining stuff. But is it Shakespeare?The 1662 first printed edition of this play says it was written by William Shakespeare and William Rowley. It doesn't appear that anyone any longer believes that Shakespeare was actually involved, and probably this is entirely Rowley - who co-authored plays with a fair number of other authors of the period. Rowley also acted in London troupes, including Shakespeare's The King's Players, often in low comedy Clown parts he wrote for himself such as is found in this play.- Summary by ToddHWCast list:Aurelius, King of Brittain: Mike ManolakesVortiger, King of (Welsh) Brittain: Craig FranklinUter Pendragon, the Prince, Brother to Aurelius: JBerkhouseDonobert, a Nobleman, and Father to Constantia and Modesta: VocalPenguinThe Earl of Gloster, and Father to Edwyn: Algy PugEdoll, Earl of Chester and General to King Aurelius: HamletCador, Earl of Cornwal, and Suitor to Constantia: Quin HerronEdwyn, Son to the Earl of Gloster, and Suitor to Modesta: Tomas PeterToclio, Nobleman: Adrian StephensOswald, Nobleman: Andrew GaunceMerlin the Prophet: Alan MapstoneAnselme the Hermit, after Bishop of Winchester: Jim LockeClown: ToddHWSir Nichodemus Nothing, a Courtier: Greg GiordanoThe Devil, father of Merlin: Phil SchempfOstorius, the Saxon General: CassiopeiaSparksOcta, a Saxon Nobleman: TchaikovskyProximus, a Saxon Magician: Scott McKinleyBishop: Derek TrialSaxon Lord 1: Grace BuchananSaxon Lord 2: Alan MapstoneEdols Captain : Derek TrialGentleman 1: Wayne CookeGentleman 2: SeaquillA little Antick Spirit: Devorah AllenArtesia, Sister to Ostorius the Saxon General: Jenn BrodaConstantia, daughter to Donobert: LydiaModesta, daughter to Donobert: Linda Olsen FitakJone Goe-too't, Mother of Merlin: SoniaA Waiting-woman to Artesia: Joanna Michal HoytLucina, Queen of the Shades: AvailleArmel: Sandra SchmitPlesgeth: Grace BuchananMessenger: Grace BuchananStage Directions: David PurdyEditing: ToddHW