Shakespeare Under The Stars returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with Glenn Elston's production of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Especially as the sun is setting over the Royal Botanic Gardens this summer and you’re sitting Under The Stars, the picnic hamper is a lot lighter and the fairies are about to come out to play mayhem with the innocent lovers and the well meaning fools in the madcap world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This summer we celebrate the 21st Anniversary of Shakespeare Under The Stars in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with a Gala performance on Monday 21 December, the same date as the first season began.

Do not miss this great production, set in the idyllic setting of the Royal Botanic Gardens with a young, vibrant and comical cast.

“Beautiful and wickedly entertaining” The Age
"High-energy, hilarious and a rich celebration of life...electrifying" The Age

DATES: Monday 21 December 2009 to Saturday 13 March 2010
December/January: Tue - Sun at 8.30pm
February/March: Tue - Sat at 8pm
Playing Gala 21st Anniversary performance on Mon 21 December at 8.30pm and Valentine's Day Sun 14 Feb.
No shows 25-27 December and 1 and 26 January.

WHERE: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Enter via the Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue, directly opposite the Shrine of Remembrance. See map.

TICKET PRICES:

Handling fee may apply.

TICKET BOOKINGS:

Tickets are now on sale online or call 1300 122 344.

Also available through Ticketmaster 136 100.

Tickets can also be purchased at the on-site cash only box office from 1.5 hours prior to start time.

Gift vouchers and school group bookings call 1300 122 344.

PRE-BOOKED MEALS: What's on the menu

Pre-book your dinner for a deliciously hassle-free night under the stars.
What's available: Gourmet Hampers for two freshly made on the day from award winning restaurant The Botanical; Italian and Thai dinners for one; Ultimate Package for Two which includes a Gourmet Hamper from The Botanical, bottle of champagne and a rug and two low chairs ready for you in a premium position.

Bookings: on sale online or call 1300 122 344

A Midsummer Night’s Dream lasts for approximately 3 hours including an interval.

WHAT TO BRING: A blanket or cushions to sit on. A picnic full of all the goodies you like to eat and drink. Sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat. 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 - call us to arrange this on 1300 122 344 in advance of your booked performance.

If the ASC cancels 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 the ASC provides a cheque refund for the value of the tickets (any extra booking/handling fees over the ticket price are non-refundable). You may be required to post the ASC your tickets before a refund is issued.

“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

“Glenn Elston’s Shakespeare Under The Stars has become a summer tradition. It rivals productions in Regents Park (London), Central Park (New York) and Golden Gate Park (San Francisco).” The Herald Sun

“Glenn Elston produces the most entertaining outdoor theatre in town. He’s also an extremely fine populariser of Shakespeare who is prepared to take a risk.” The Sunday Age

"DREAM" CAST & CREW

"DREAM" - THE STORY

Read "Dream" reviews

Many thanks for support received from the following generous companies.

Hippolyta's evening gown by Linda Britten