It's silly, it's slick, it's chaotic, it's clever. It's full of surprises, misunderstandings, blunders and comic wit – it cracks open Shakespeare and infuses it with wildly exciting scenarios. It's wickedly entertaining.

This summer Glenn Elston's brilliantly funny new adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream will have you in stitches! This will be your most enjoyable and cheerful night out for the holidays as the splendor of Shakespeare Under The Stars comes to life with this inventive and groundbreaking comedy.

The central comical characters from A Midsummer Night's Dream (The Mechanicals) are the funniest group of characters that Shakespeare ever invented. In Dream - Behind the Scenes they take you on a journey of how they arrived at performing Pyramus & Thisby for the Duke's wedding. They take us on a roller coaster ride of side-splitting ideas as they explore the "other" plays they could possibly perform for the Duke. Yes, the Mechanicals have discovered Shakespeare's canon of work and are performing famous scenes from famous plays and sometimes their version of the whole play.

Which one will they decide to present for the Duke?

Directed and adapted by Glenn Elston and starring Kevin Hopkins, Simon Mallory, Brendan O’Connor, Anthony Rive, Hugh Sexton and Ross Williams.

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.

DATES: 20 December 2011 to 10 March 2012

WHEN: Dec/Jan Tues to Sun at 8pm, Feb/Mar Tue to Sat at 8pm

WHERE: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Enter via the Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance. See map

PRICES:
Fri/Sat/Valentine's Day: adults $40, conc $35, groups 10+ $35, children (5-15yrs) $25
Sun to Thur: adults $35, conc $30, groups 10+ $30, children (5-15yrs) $25

BOOK TICKETS: purchase securely online or call 1300 122 344, or through Ticketmaster 136 100
Cash sales from the on-site box office from 1.5 hours prior to the start time.

GIFT CERTIFICATES: purchase securely online or call 1300 122 344

PRE-BOOK MEALS: a selection of delicious Italian and Thai meals are available to pre-order. Find out more

SCHOOL BOOKINGS: call 03 8676 7511 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information

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“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 FAQ

Download the FAQ

1. How long does the performance go for?
2. From what time can we arrive?
3. Do I have to book or can I buy a ticket when I get there?
4. It's held outside isn't it? Are there chairs?
5. What else should we bring?
6. Is food and drink available to purchase?
7. How do we get there?
8. Is the performance site accessible for those with mobility issues?
9. We can't go on the night we booked for, can I change my tickets to another date?
10. What happens if it rains?

1. How long does the performance go for? The performance lasts for approximately two and a half hours including an interval.

2. From what time can we arrive? The site is open to ticket holders from 1.5 hours prior to the start time.

3. Do I have to book or can I buy a ticket when I get there? Booking is advised, especially for weekends and Valentine’s Day. However you can buy tickets on arrival at the on-site box office from two hours prior to the start time (cash only, no credit card facilities).

4. It's held outside isn't it? Are there chairs? The performance is held outdoors in the beautiful environs of the Southern Cross Lawn in the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is a picnic style event so bring a blanket or cushions to sit on, or you are welcome to bring your own chairs. Low or standard height chairs are available to hire for $5 cash on arrival.

5. What else should we bring? A picnic full of all the goodies you like to eat and drink. Warm clothes as sometimes it can get cool in the evening. And remember, please use rubbish bins provided or take your rubbish with you after the show.

6. Are food and drink available to purchase? Yes, our cash only on-site bar offers hot chocolate, tea and coffee, soft drinks, water, beer, wine, spirits, snacks, chocolate, lollies, chips, etc.

7. How do we get there? Public transport is advised as parking can sometimes be difficult to find or be a long walk from the gardens.

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne - enter via the Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance. See map
Driving: Free and metered 2, 3 and 4 hour parking is available in surrounding streets.
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. The performance area is immediately on your left after entering.

8. Is the performance site accessible for those with mobility issues? The performance site is accessible by paved footpaths, however there is a short grassy area to traverse to reach the audience area. Production staff are available to assist if required.

9. We can't go on the night we booked for, can I change my tickets to another date? Yes, your tickets may be transferred to another session. Please call 1300 122 344 during business hours Monday to Friday or email your booking details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it including your order number, booking name, number of tickets, mobile number, session booked for and preferred new session.

10. What happens if it rains? Call 1300 122 344 for a weather update. Usually performances do proceed if there is only very light misty drizzle. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: If the Australian Shakespeare Company cancels the performance due to inclement weather your tickets will be valid for another performance during the same production season (call 1300 122 344 to re-book). If it is not possible for you to attend another performance during the same production season we provide a credit note for the value of your tickets (not including any handling fees), valid for at least 12 months from your original performance date. A credit note will only be offered if the performance is cancelled. When a performance is cancelled in advance of the start time due to inclement weather we inform ticket holders by SMS or telephone.

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