Puck — “If We Shadows Have Offended”
The play is ending. Puck — the mischievous sprite who caused all the night's chaos — steps forward to smooth things over with the audience. If the play offended, just think of it as a dream. He wants the crowd's forgiveness and their applause, and he offers to make it up to them.
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber’d here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend.
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearnèd luck
Now to ’scape the serpent’s tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call.
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
How to Play It
Direct address to the audience — talk to them, charm them, ask a real favour. The rhyming tetrameter is light and quick; ride the rhythm without sing-songing it, and keep the intention (win them over, earn the applause) front and centre.
The trap is 'cute.' Puck is a trickster with a wink, not a greeting card. Play the mischief and the sly deal he's offering ('give me your hands') and it has real charm and cheek.
A Midsummer magnet and a perfect purpose-built short piece — it was written to run about a minute, so you're not butchering a long speech to fit the clock. Note: the role plays beautifully for any gender.
Ideal for teens into their 20s and a great first classical: short, playful, and built on connection rather than heavy verse technique.
Want Will to Coach You Through It?
A monologue is a two-person scene where the other person never speaks. Working it 1-on-1 with a working actor is the fastest way to make it land.