Week the first (Saturday through Monday): Tournament style jousting thrice daily by Joust Revolution. Chicago comedian Jeff McClain performs his comedy version of “Hamlet,” condensing the 4-plus hour play to 35 minutes. Other activities: McCrakken Brother’s Mad Scotsman’s Golf Challenge, Paul the Goose Man Strolling Goose Parade, Sir Ian Richard Sharpe stand-up comedy and more.

Week the second (Sept. 12-13): Charming and Dashing, the comedy duo of Prince Charming and Sir Dashing, run through the story of Cinderella with some help from the audience. The Kansas City troupe Willie’s Wenches mix Elizabethan style with “Charlie’s Angels” attitude. Bits include “A Midsummer Nightmare’s Dream on Elm Street 13,” a merger of the Bard’s classic play with ’80s horror. Other activities: Des Moines SCA Living History Camp, Brotherhood of Steel Sword Battles.

Week the third (Sept. 19-20): This be a pirate-themed weekend! Sept. 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day (check out talklikeapirate.com for tips), a perfect time to show off the language you’ve picked up from Jack Sparrow, Captain Hook and Long John Silver (the pirate or the restaurant). The Royal Pirates of Tortuga will perform a stunt comedy show and The Three Captains put on “Cyrano De Bergerac.” Other activities: Searching for Shakespeare, Lord Robert the Deceptor, Cooking with the Captain.

More info: www.dmrenfaire.com

Complete article and pictures: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090903/ENT/909030325/1046