The text was first produced in Paignton Zoo by a group of Sulawesi Macaque monkeys as their contribution to the exhibition Generator (1 May - 22 June 2002, Spacex Gallery), curated by Spacex and STAR (Science Technology Art Research, University of Plymouth).

Originally performed by its creators, this 1987 Edinburgh Fringe hit remains the second longest-running West End comedy in history and has been translated into over thirty languages. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is not so much a play as it is a vaudeville show in which three charismatic, wildly ambitious actors attempt to present all thirty-seven of Shakespeare's plays in a single performance. They have a rudimentary concept of the stories and have imperfectly memorized a smattering of famous lines. Backstage there's a meager assortment of costumes and props. Thus armed, the three brazenly launch into their task with an earnest focus and breakneck enthusiasm.