Shakespeare Under The Stars performances accentuate the comic, the vibrant and the physical, taking advantage of the gorgeous natural surroundings, enhanced by superb lighting. It’s Shakespeare unshackled from traditional constraints –fun and accessible, and above all entertaining for everyone.

From December 2009 to March 2010 Shakespeare Under The Stars celebrated 21 years in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with Glenn Elston's production of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Our 2010/2011 summer season will be announced in Spring.

“Beautiful and wickedly entertaining” The Age

"High-energy, hilarious and a rich celebration of life...electrifying" The Age

“Your performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream completely revolutionized my students’ attitude to Shakespeare. How can I thank you for what you have done for these students?”  Jo Vandermark, Teacher

“I have been to theatre productions in London, New York, and Sydney and nothing can compare to your show. It has to be the most entertaining production I have ever seen and the fact that it was set under the stars made it even more special.”  Kay Lee Sye, theatre-goer

“Innocent purity…raunchy comic relief…has humour, anger and swashbuckling speed and strength…an accessible way to experience the genius…the music fits seamlessly. The Royal Botanic Gardens is a perfect setting for a night of theatre.”  Sunday Herald Sun

“Lawn picnics, lovers old, lovers young, a waxing full moon, a sunset sky and a stage nestled amidst flowering Banksias under the watchful eyes of a colony of fruit bats dancing in the stars – outdoor theatre at its best.”  Inpress

“This is one of those rare productions of which you can say with absolute confidence that everyone will enjoy it… This is how Shakespeare should be produced, freed from the chains of scholarly respectability.” The Bulletin

ATTENDING SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE STARS

WHAT TO BRING: A blanket or cushions to sit on. A picnic full of all the goodies you like to eat and drink. Warm clothes as sometimes it can get cool in the evening.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE: Hot chocolate, tea and coffee, soft drinks, water, beer, wine and spirits. Snacks, chocolate, lollies, chips, etc. Low and standard height chairs for hire.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take the train to Flinders Street Station. Then take a tram (3, 5, 8, 16, 64 or 67) to the Domain Road Interchange. Walk towards the Shrine of Remembrance and on the other side of it you will see Birdwood Avenue and the Observatory Gate. See map

DISABLED ACCESS: The performance site is accessible by paved footpaths, however there are some grassy areas. ASC staff are available to assist if required.

WET WEATHER POLICY: Call 1300 122 344 for a weather update. Usually performances do proceed if there is only very light drizzle. We are also able to transfer your tickets to another performance if you prefer - ASC orders call us to arrange this on 1300 122 344 in advance of your booked performance (Monday to Friday business hours) or for Ticketmaster orders call 136 100 up to 2 hours prior to the show.

If we cancel a performance due to inclement weather your tickets will be valid for another performance during the season (you must call 1300 122 344 to re-book). If, however, it is not possible for you to attend another performance we provide a cheque refund for the value of the tickets (any extra booking/handling or mailing fees over the ticket price are non-refundable). You may be required to post us your tickets before a refund is issued.

Many thanks for support received from the following generous companies for A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Hippolyta's evening gown by Linda Britten