Round up your friends, pack up a picnic and head to the Royal Botanic Gardens this summer for a hilarious evening of Shakespeare Under The Stars. This year, you’ll be treated to one of the Bard’s classic shows, Much Ado About Nothing. This amusing adaptation draws on pop music, rock imagery, pantomime and sitcom, to create a play within a rock concert. Sprawl out on Southern Cross Lawn and laugh till you cry from December 17 to February 4.
Shakespeare Under The Stars
The Australian Shakespeare Company has delighted audiences with Shakespeare Under The Stars since 1987. Return to this glorious open-air theatre for a summer night of fun and romance. This musical adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing will be full of 90s pop and rock music.
As the sun sets, sit back and watch The Babes of Disdain perform their hit single, ‘Fair Eyes’, before they are upstaged by the return of Benedick and the Love Gods, back from a world concert tour. This battle-of-the-sexes romcom will be like nothing you’ve ever seen before, and you’ll be sure to hum the original tunes long after the curtain falls.
“There’s nothing quite like Shakespeare infused with hits of pop music, rock imagery, pantomime and sitcom,” said Director Glenn Elston. “All tightly linked and true to a clear and well executed delivery of a terrific text, our adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing is for everyone, not just Shakespeare lovers.”
At this outdoor show, you’re encouraged to pack your own picnic, or take advantage of the catering on-site. General Admission ticket holders are invited to bring a picnic rug, cushion or little chair to sit on, to help keep you comfortable on the grass. Depending on the size of your chair, you may have to sit at the back as a courtesy to those sitting on blankets. As this is an outdoor event, consider bringing a hat, blanket, sunscreen, water bottle or jacket to help keep you comfortable.
If you upgrade to an A Reserve ticket, you will be given a souvenir programme and seated on a personalised low rise chair in the Premium Reserved seating area. You will also receive a complementary red, white or sparkling wine to enjoy during the performance. You will also receive a complimentary tea, coffee or hot chocolate to keep warm during the interval.