The first episode of SNL UK featured a very different version of William Shakespeare in a sketch that comically took aim at this year’s awards season’s biggest British films.
In “SNL UK’s” version of “Hamnet,” Bird, an increasingly Gen Z hipster, returns home from a play in London to be with his beloved wife (played by Tina Fey) and family.
“Don’t you think I look different?” he asks when he first returns home. “I got some nice little earrings!”
Later, back at his parents’ house, he is seen riding an electric scooter, brandishing a tote bag that says “Team Anne Boleyn” and proudly showing off his “I’m a slutty little chain.”
“London changed you,” declares the fey Agnes Hathaway.
“You’re in Stratford-upon-Avon, and I was in London, taking ketamine,” Shakespeare says. “I’m like Charlie Xcx, sorry Charlie 10 100 10. I’m in my shining age now, honey.”
Following the plot of the film, Hamnet is seen falling ill due to “taking the powder out” of his new purse. But as Shakespeare puts it, “He’s all right. It’s just a K-hole.”
Following the “Hamnet” sketch, “SNL UK” poked fun at the popular British venue with a skit that showed a real bear being released onto guests in the Paddington Bear immersive experience.
“It was amazing. Half my face was gone,” says one. “I always thought three kids was a little too much, but now I have the perfect amount…no one!” adds another.
“In hindsight, hot-gluing the hat onto the bear’s head may have made him even more angry,” Fay’s experience organizer explains. “I’m going to take it to Broadway anyway.”
Studio Canal, which owns the rights to Paddington Bear and is running its own Paddington experience in London, has already sued the makers of comedy show Spitting Image for portraying the bear as a drug-addled, foul-mouthed podcast host. It will be interesting to see what they make of this.
