🎭 Mum's the word - Learn English vocabulary & idioms with 'Shakespeare Speaks'

It was the 23rd of April.

William Shakespeare's daughter and his actor friends Robert Harley and Thomas Swann are

at the Duck and Whistle.

They're getting ready for a celebration.

Bess the barmaid is in charge.

Now have we got everything?

Beer, ale…

Where's that Mary Bassett?

She's supposed to be bringing the pies…

Here I am, pies and all!

I've brought some lovely meat pies and I've got Mr Will's favourite here:

a nice cherry pie.

Ooohhh lovely, he'll like that, lovely…

Oh, I'm so excited Mary!

I love parties!

Isn't it wonderful having a party for Father's birthday!

Now don't you go telling Mr Will before he gets here, Miss Shakespeare, remember:

it's a surprise.

Like John Hume says in your father's play Henry VI part II:

Seal up your lips, and give no words but mum…

Seal up your lips, and give no words but mum: The business asketh silent secrecy.

Give no words but mum…

I promise, I won't say a word to anyone.

Really, I won't!

We'll leave them there for now

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Don't tell anyone you saw me here.

Mum's the word!

Ssshhh everybody, here he comes now!

Quick, hide, behind the bar, get down, he'll see you…

Good afternoon Bess, a pint of your finest…

Bess?

Hello?

Where is everyone?!

Surprise!!!!

Happy birthday!!!

Happy birthday father!

Daughter?!

Is all this for me?!

Yes, father, it is!

Happy birthday Will!

Thank you, Thomas.

Happy birthday, Mr Will.

Have some cherry pie.

Here Mr Will, pint of ale for you.

Well now!

To party, or… no.

Let's party!

Hooray! Happy birthday!