Totally Reasonable Shakespeare-Inspired Pranks That Won't Get You Into Any Trouble Whatsoever* *Lack of repercussions not guaranteed. Prankster discretion is advised.

The Fake Fight: Got a friend? An acquaintance? A stranger who's new to town? Got two of them? Fantastic! Sidle on up to them, separately, in the name of friendship, and tell them the other one wants to fight them. Offer to smooth things over and make things worse instead. No one will get hurt. They're both big cowards anyway. You won't somehow get involved and injured yourself. As seen in Twelfth Night.

The Matchmaker: You know your best friend who's fought by your side? Play with his emotions. Stage a conversation with your BFF in earshot as a means of convincing him his arch nemesis secretly loves him (gasp!). Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. He and his rival probably don't have real feelings for each other. Who cares? She won't get him to take her side if you wrong her cousin. As seen in Much Ado About Nothing.

The Money Maker: What's a better prank than a scam? When you're strapped for cash, roll up into a quiet neighborhood, pick out two supposedly rich married women, and send them two copies of the same love letter. They'll be so charmed they'll have to give you money! Makes perfect sense. They won't compare notes, work together, and start a prank war against you. As seen in The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Please prank responsibly this April Fool's Day.

#WilliamShakespeare #SirToby #Claudio #Falstaff #Merrymaking