Jan's book reveals 'the truth' about Shakespeare

Saddleworth playwright and novelist Jan Needle, who won a first class honours degree for his specialised knowledge of William Shakespeare, has brought out a new book to reveal ‘the truth’ about Britain’s best-loved writer.

Some of its wildest claims are Shakespeare interviewed King Lear on a beach near Dover, and was chased across England by 50 drunken knights. 

Bearded Jan insists in a preface that every word is true.

“It’s all in the plays,” he said.

“I was examined very rigorously at Manchester University, and was one of only two students in my year to get a First. 

“This is the story of Shakespeare – who could not even consistently spell his own name – that I hope will revolutionise study of the Bard.

"It’s a must for actors, directors, and students. And scholars, naturally.

“The book, called 'Shakespeare – the Truth', reveals the details of young Will’s unhappy marriage to a woman eight years his senior, and how he ran away to London and joined Ye Globe. 

“There was a plethora of fine writers in the city at this time, but he rose up the ranks with a mixture of flair and total idiocy.”

It’s the first in a proposed series called Covid Capers, by Jan which, he says, are designed to wring a smile out of our current grim situation. 

“Initially, they are only on Kindle and will be followed shortly by paperback editions," said Jan.

"They are priced at under a pound, so everyone can get a laugh.”

Jan is the author of more than 50 books, plus stage, TV and radio plays. 

‘Wild Wood,‘ an alternative version of the Wind in the Willows that makes Toad and his rich friends the ‘villains’ and the stoats, ferrets and weasels rural freedom fighters, is going into production next year with the famous Kneehigh Theatre company. 

Another of his comedy books, ‘Wagstaffe the Wind Up Boy', will be toured as a musical before ending up in London.

Originally a native of Portsmouth, Jan moved to Manchester and worked for national newspapers.

He says he was a failure at school but he went to university after taking his A levels at 25, and started writing novels and plays to ‘fill in the time.’

His TV credits include Brookside, a series called Truckers, and many children’s programmes, one of which - ' A Game of Soldiers' - was nominated for a Bafta. 

He has won prizes and awards in several countries, and was runner-up for the Guardian Award and the Carnegie Medal.

“You love and revere Shakespeare, but I look for the humour in anything and everything," added Jan.

"You’d have to be as blind as the Duke of Gloucester not to see the fun in King Lear.

"Next up is Scotch on the Rocks – the tragedy of Macbeth (the Scottish play."

Order your copy of the book here

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