Shakespeare has ketamine and C-ty earring in SNL UK Hamnet Sketch

A very different version of William Shakespeare appeared on the premiere episode of “SNL UK,” in a sketch that comically took aim at the biggest British film of this year’s awards season.

In “SNL UK’s” version of “Hamnet,” Bard, an increasingly Gen-Z hipster, returns home from staging plays in London to his loving wife (played by Tina Fey) and family.

“Don’t you think I seem changed?” he asks when he first comes home. “I have a small earring!”

Later, he returns to the family home to find him on an electric scooter, brandishing a tote bag that reads ‘Team Anne Boleyn’, and proudly showing off ‘my slutty little chain’.

“London changed you,” claims Fey’s Agnes Hathaway.

“You’re in Stratford upon Avon, and I’ve been in London with ketamine,” says Shakespeare. “I’m like Charlie

In keeping with the film’s plot, Hamnet is seen sick after “getting the powder out of a new bag”. But as Shakespeare notes, “He’ll be fine. He’s just a K-hole.”

Following the “Hamnet” sketch, “SNL UK” poked fun at another beloved British institution in a sketch featuring an immersive Paddington Bear experience that unleashes a real bear on guests.

“That was amazing. I lost half my face,” said one. “I always thought three kids was a bit too much, and now I have the optimal number… none!” added another.

“In retrospect, spraying the hat on the bear’s head with hot glue may have made him even angrier,” explains Fay’s organizer of the experience. “I’m taking it to Broadway no matter what”

Studiocanal, which owns the rights to Paddington Bear and has its own Paddington experience in London, has already sued the makers of the comedy show ‘Spitting Image’ over their portrayal of the bear as a drug-using, foul-mouthed podcast host. It will be interesting to see what they make of this.