Are you ready for some Shakespeare with a difference? Life and laughter returns to Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens this month with Peter Quince Presents: The Athenian Players in "A Midsummer Mechanical's Dream".
Presented by The Australian Shakespeare Company, this hilarious romp promises to leave audiences in stitches. The story sees Shakespeare's artisans of laughter workshopping some of the Bard's most famous material, in the hope of being selected to perform at the Duke's upcoming wedding.
The show stars Kevin Hopkins as Peter Quince the Carpenter, Madeleine Somers as Snug the Joiner, Andrew Bongiorno as Nick Bottom the Weaver, Anthony Rive as Francis Flute the Bellows Mender, Scott Jackson as Tom Snout the Tinker and Hugh Sexton as Robin Starveling the Tailor.
Audiences will be treated to a creative and endearing comedy as the thespian tradesmen present their hilarious interpretation of Shakespeare's characters during a rollercoaster ride through ten of his best plays.
Artistic director and founder at The Australian Shakespeare Company Glenn Elston said the play would allow audiences to reflect on "the thespian tradie in all of us".
"This is a play that Shakespeare would have wished he thought of himself, where his comic characters play his serious, famous and classic characters."
Melburnians and visitors alike are encouraged to pop the cork, sit back and enjoy open air theatre at its best on the Garden's Southern Cross Lawn.
Theatregoers can make the most of the night out by arriving early with a picnic or making the most of on-site catering. Gates open at 5.30pm.
The play is the final production in the company's 2021/22 Shakespeare Under the Stars program. Performances are at 7.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, from February 25 to March 12.
Ticket prices start at $30 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or on-site one hour before showtime, subject to availability.
For more information call 03) 8676-7511, or click HERE
