Forget the Ice Bucket Challenge - the latest charity trend sees celebs getting all poetic
Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge last summer? Now there’s a new viral trend sweeping the internet by storm and it’s absolute genius.
Various celebrities have been taking part in the #15SecondShakespeare challenge, which involves dramatically reciting the lyrics of songs in the style of the Bard.
Cue much hilarity as tunes by the likes of Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and, um, the Teletubbies (we’ll explain) are transformed into epic and slightly surreal speeches.
And the best thing of all is that it’s all in aid of a good cause. Those taking part in #15SecondShakespeare are encouraged to donate to the British Red Cross’s Europe Refugee Crisis Appeal – so it’s funny AND doing good fundraising.
Several stars have been getting involved in the fun – check out EastEnders star Jo Joyner’s rendition of Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj…
Thanks for the nomination @rebeccacallard I nom @mrjakedwood @beccamanley & @FlikSwan #15secondshakespeare pic.twitter.com/HulqxTaWee
— Jo Joyner (@dollyjoyner) September 21, 2015
LOLs. Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda also received the Shakespeare treatment by actor Fisayo Akinade.
Thanks for the nomination @MPShaeffer I nominate. @rebeccacallard and @CHIMPSINSOCKS #15secondshakespeare pic.twitter.com/2fHnA4pxLD
— Fisayo Akinade (@FisayoAkinade) September 20, 2015
Karen Gillan tried The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles and owned it.
My #15SecondShakespeare thanks @r_jacz and I nominate @imrosemciver and @jenmorrisonlive https://t.co/NjwzCf1FBN
— Karen Gillan (@karengillan) September 23, 2015
Watching this clip of two trained actors performing Hey Mama by the Black Eyed Peas has totally made our day…
Our joint #15secondshakespeare @spinksy Thx @harriet_thorpe for nom I nom: @NickBlakeley @Charity_gigs pic.twitter.com/fLFIOZPknm
— matilda thorpe (@tillythorpe) September 20, 2015
That well-known poet Kanye West has been a popular choice with several stars doing #15SecondShakespeare. Minnie Driver opted for a spot of Gold Digger for her video.
@davidfynn #kanye made me go full Staurt. #15secondshakespeare I also nominate @SirPatStew pic.twitter.com/j23c4vfDIs
— Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) September 19, 2015
And Ralf Little‘s version of the same track is possibly one of our very fave clips – utter genius.
Ok @CHIMPSINSOCKS here's my #15secondShakespeare (at 25 secs). Nominate @jackwhitehall and @Sheridansmith1 pic.twitter.com/isNooUgGFi
— Ralf Little (@RalfLittle) September 21, 2015
Some Twitter users have chosen some rather, um, unusual choices for their performances. Take former EastEnders actor Robert Kazinsky, for example (here’s where the Teletubbies reference is explained).
Thanks for the nomination @Thomas_Coombes #15secondshakespeare @amyhubcast I nominate @ZacharyLevi @MrRickyWhittle pic.twitter.com/tA5oPUKjOG
— Robert Kazinsky (@RobertKazinsky) September 22, 2015
Rob, you definitely deserve extra brownie points for originality!
Okay, so as you may have noticed the vids often spill over the 15 minute mark, but they’re so blimmin’ hilarious that we really don’t mind!
If you’ve enjoyed #15SecondShakespeare (and we hope you have) you can donate to the British Red Cross appeal by texting ACT to 70600.
Anna Francis
The post WATCH! Stars dramatically recite pop songs for #15SecondShakespeare challenge and it’s hilarious appeared first on Now magazine.