Nicholas Ellenbogen has crafted a unique concept in theatrical entertainment that, despite this being the 20th episode in the Raiders series, the anticipation of the audience is ever present.

In the latest episode, A Midsummer Night’s Raiders, the father-son duo endeavour to provide us with the true facts on the life of William Shakespeare by making oh-so subtle- and-funny-use of phrases from the Bard’s plays.

What is the secret to the success of Raiders? Is it the array of seemingly disparate and somewhat ridiculous props that are so cleverly used, or the simple box-like set, ingeniously engineered to be transformed from a bed to the Richmond hill and much more?

Or is it the fact that the show appears to be unscripted, although this is clearly not the case, and the multiple scenarios are achieved only by the impromptu additions of the presenters? Or finally, is it the audience participation that ensures that every show is indeed unique?

Having seen several of the episodes over the years, I believe that the entertainment value of the show is due to a blend of all these factors, plus a liberal dose of talent from both the presenters.