Sydney summer sparkles outdoors

 

Pack a picnic, grab your friends and celebrate summer with a night of theatrical magic on Sydney’s fabulous harbour foreshore. 

Pack a picnic, grab your friends and celebrate summer with a night of theatrical magic on Sydney’s fabulous harbour foreshore.

Proudly supported by the City of Sydney, the 2011 Sydney Shakespeare Festival kicks off in January with performances on alternate nights of Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the most famous love story ever told, Romeo and Juliet.

FREE for children 12 years and under, people with disabilities and people aged 65 years and over, the festival will take place in Bicentennial Park, Glebe Foreshore every Thursday to Sunday at 8pm from January 6 until February 27.

“Shakespeare’s plays have captured the imagination of millions of people throughout the world for over 400 years and are as exciting and provocative now as the day they were written,” said Julie Baz, Artistic Director and co-founder of the festival.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream delivers whopping doses of whimsy, mischief, silliness, magic and misunderstandings. Enemies fall in love, an actor becomes an ass and the fairy kingdom battles over an Indian boy.

Romeo and Juliet is a tale of star-crossed lovers, feuding families and unending passion. Timeless themes of love and sacrifice have made it Shakespeare’s most popular and enduring tragic romance.

In its fourth year, the annual Sydney Shakespeare Festival is one of Sydney’s summer event highlights.

“Outdoor theatre is the most accessible and historical performance style and it’s a great way to spend a summer evening,” said David Jeffrey, co-founder of the festival.

“You can bring a picnic, enjoy a glass of wine and experience the wonder of Shakespeare under the stars, all while taking in spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, the city skyline and surrounding urban parkland.”

Directed by Baz and designed by Jeffrey, the festival will be brought to life by a versatile ensemble cast who will perform in both plays. The cast consists of Charles Billeh, John Burdon, Emily Elise, Christina Falsone, Richard Hilliar, David Jeffrey, Lana Kershaw, Natalie Rees, Roger Adam Smith, Jacob Thomas and Nicole Wineberg.

For all you need to know about the 2011 Sydney Shakespeare Festival including the performance dates for each play, how to book tickets, how to get there and what to bring, check out the Sydney Shakespeare Festival website: www.sydneyshakespearefestival.com.au.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
8pm Jan 6, 7, 15, 16, 20, 21, 29, 30, Feb 3, 4, 12, 13, 17, 18, 26, 27

Romeo and Juliet
8pm Jan 8, 9, 13, 14, 24, 25, 27, 28, Feb 5, 6, 10, 11, 15, 16, 24, 25

Venue
Bicentennial Park, Glebe Foreshore (2A Chapman Rd, Annandale)

Ticket prices
$29 full, $23 concession, $17 high school students
FREE children 12 years and under, FREE people with disabilities, FREE people 65 years and over

Bookings
Online bookings through Moshtix: http://www.sydneyshakespearefestival.com.au/book-tickets
Tickets are also available at the door (cash only) from 7pm
Phone enquires: (02) 9319 2444