“Shakespeare’s Best Bits is a great pick for a fun night out with family or friends. It’s even suitable for people who wouldn’t typically have much interest in Shakespeare or theatre in general.”
— thescoop.au
“Shakespeare’s Best Bits is a true delight”
— ★★★★ - TINSEL and TAP SHOES
“Artistic Director Glenn Elston OAM has once again demonstrated his complete mastery on the plays of William Shakespeare with this riotous deconstruction of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, with hilarious results in this play within several plays, featuring an assortment of The Barb’s most comical characters.”
— Theatre Matters
“★★★★”
— Theatre Matters
“★★★★”
— TINSEL and TAP SHOES
About this production
Celebrating the most comical characters Shakespeare ever invented. Follow “The Mechanicals,” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream on a whirlwind adventure where "pantaloons meet Python," in Peter Quince Presents: SHAKESPEARE'S BEST BITS
It's a romp, that’s bound to have you in stitches as Shakespeare's artisans of laughter - Peter Quince, Snug, Nick Bottom, Francis Flute, Tom Snout and Robin Starveling lead you through a slick and silly series of blunders and nonsense.
Vying to perform at the Duke's wedding, they look to a bloke called Bill’s collected works for inspiration. These fools will have you rolling in the grass with laughter as you watch them workshop some of the Bard's most famous material.
If you loved A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this is the perfect show for you this summer! It’s Shakespeare unshackled, unplugged and loads of fun for the thespian or tradie in all of us!
★★★★ - Theatre Matters, ★★★★ - TINSEL and TAP SHOES
Alex has worked with the Australian Shakespeare Company for the last five years, appearing as Otter, Cop, Judge and Weasel in The Wind In the Willows, Bahgeera in Jungle Book: the Next Chapter and Major Minor Key in Captain Jacks Pirate Party.
Within the ASC’s Shakespeare collection, Alex appeared as Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing, and Benvolio in Romeo & Juliet both staged in the 2023 summer season. Other stage appearances include Leske’s Method (Cameron Sievers), and Second Coming (Andrew R. Kelly).
On screen, Alex is well known for his role as Cody in Chris Lilley’s Jamie Private School Girl as well as appearing in Josh Thomas’s Please Like Me (ABC Network) and The Newsreader (Emma Freeman, ABC Network)
Peter Houghton
Nick Bottom - The Weaver
Peter has performed in Macbeth,Misalliance, Birthrights, Laughter on the 23 Floor, Sweet Bird of Youth, HisGirl Friday, Joy of Text, Shakespeare in Love, Three Little Words (MelbourneTheatre Company); The Trial andTravesties (Sydney Theatre Company); Tartuffe,The Pitch, A View Of Concrete, Ruby Moon, Tear From A Glass Eye (MalthouseTheatre); The Graduate with Jerry Hall (HerMajesty’s Theatre); The Beast (AmbassadorGroup); North by Northwest (Kaye andMcLean). King John, The Crucible, Endgame(11th Hour) and most recently Hamlet at 45 Downstairs.
As Playwright: The Pitch (Malthouse, National Tour, UKtour, Black Swan, Queensland Theatre Company); The China Incident (National tour, Malthouse Theatre); A Commercial Farce (Malthouse Theatre,National tour); The Colours (MTC).
As Director: Art and Soul, True Minds, The Odd Couple,Hinterland, The Architect, Heartbreak Choir, Boy at the Edge of Everything (MTC);Svetlana in Slingbacks, God’s Last Acre,The China Incident (Malthouse Theatre); Noisesoff (Marriner Theatres); Footprintson Water (Griffin); No Man’s Island (MelbourneFestival).
Awards: Peter hasreceived several Green Room Awards including for acting (The Pitch, Endgame), direction (Footprintson Water, No Man’s Island) and as playwright (The Pitch). His production of Boyat the Edge of Everything won a Drama Victoria Award for best production.
Screen Creditsinclude: Molly, Killing Time, The Eyeof The Storm, Howzat Kerry Packer’s War, Utopia, Gallipoli, Wrong Kind of Black, Newstopia, Three Dollars, Metal Skin among others.
His productions with Australian Shakespeare Company include A Midsummer Nights Dream, Hamlet, Comedy ofErrors and Merry Wives of Windsor.
Jackson McGovern
Peter Quince - The Carpenter
Jackson is an award-winning actor who works in theatre and film. Recent stage credits include: Woof (Hair); Macduff (Macbeth - Australian Shakespeare Company - Melbourne and London seasons); Clown (The 39 Steps - Hearth Theatre); John Proctor (The Crucible - Australian Shakespeare Company); Mystery of the Valkyrie (QPAC, Woodward Productions); The Owl and the Pussycat (Little Match Productions National Tour - Matilda Award Winner); Naked and Screaming (La Boite Theatre Company - Matilda Nominee); Happy/Howard (Death of a Salesman - Queensland Theatre Company - Matilda Nominee); Benjamin/Snowball (Animal Farm - Shake and Stir National Tour); Wisdom (Queensland Theatre Company); and Bottom (A Midsummer Night's Dream - Melbourne Shakespeare Company). On screen, his work has been seen in festivals throughout Australia and the world, including lead roles in CCTV Nasty, Gotcha and Thea and Lucia.
In 2020, Jackson was librettist and director of the online children’s opera There Once Was A Puffin alongside collaborator Luke Volker and later toured the live theatre adaptation to regional Queensland.
Originally trained in drama and musical theatre, he also works extensively with young artists for Queensland Theatre Company, La Boite, Grin and Tonic, Complete Works, Shake and Stir and many other companies throughout Australia as a teaching artist, director and adjudicator.
Hugh Sexton
Robin Starveling - The Tailer
Spanning a career over 25 years Hugh has performed with numerous companies including Pop Up Globe, la mama, Theatre South and Hothouse TC. A long-standing ensemble member of the Australian Shakespeare Company, he has tackled many of the Bards’ iconic roles including Hamlet, Macbeth, Malvolio and Romeo.
Most recently he has appeared in Lighthouse Theatricals A Man For All Seasons (Thomas More), Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing and the feature film Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism.
Other TV and film credits: City Homicide, Dirt Game, Stingers, Rush, Mitch from Neighbours and Ghostrider with Nicholas Cage
Maddie Somers
Snug - The Joiner
Madeleine trained at the Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts and has since built an extensive career performing across Australia and internationally. She spent two years in China with Disney, portraying a variety of beloved princesses, most notably Queen Elsa and Princess Anna in the Frozen stage show.
In 2025, Madeleine celebrates twelve years with the Australian Shakespeare Company, where she has performed in over 25 productions across Australia and the UK. Her credits with the company span a wide range of roles in both Shakespearean classics, Musicals and family favourites, including Hair the Musical, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, Comedy of Errors, Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo & Juliet, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Alice in Wonderland, Alice in Never Neverland, Jack & the Beanstalk, A Midsummer Mechanical’s Dream, and Captain Jack’s Pirate Party
Scott Jackson
Tom Snout - The Tinker
Scott Jackson has a bachelor’s degree in Acting and has continued his further training in Stage Combat mainly in Australia with SAFDi and Captivate Action Ltd, and is a Fight Choreographer for theatre. Scott Is also a company member, and treasurer for Melbourne Playback Theatre Company for the past 8 years. He has worked for the Australian Shakespeare Company for over 12 years, working on various productions as an Actor, Romeo & Juliet, A midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, As You Like It, Macbeth, and Shakespeare’s Best Bits twice (nominated for a Green Room award), and the wonderful Mr Toad in Wind in the Willows. Scott was the Fight Choreographer for the ASC’s production of Romeo & Juliet in 2023 and Macbeth in 2025 in both Melbourne and London whilst playing Lennox. Scott’s Immersive and Improvised Theatre experience includes large scale tour of Dirty Dancing. Underground cinema’s Hotel, Kingdom, Call of Duty Black Ops, Edgar Ellen Poe’s world of A Midnight Visit, and Applause Entertainment’s Murder Mystery at Labassa Mansion. Scott & other credits include: A dogs Tale TV Series WIN TV (Chris), Two Gents (Proteus) Hamlet (Laertes & Proteus) for Sheoak Productions, Romeo and Juliet (Romeo) and King Lear (Oswald) for Ozact Theatre Company, Titus Andronicus (Th’ Unguarded Duncan) Macbeth (Ross) for Melbourne Company of Players, The Dress (Essence Theatre Productions and numerous others Scott is a proud member of the MEAA since 2008.
Henny Walters
Swing
Henny (she/her) completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre) at the Victorian College of the Arts. Her VCA credits include creating and performing in ‘Mongrel’ (dir. Maude Davey & Sarah Ward), Jo March in ‘Little Women’ (dir. Therèsa Borg), as a featured soloist in ‘Morning Melodies’ (dir. Tyran Parke) at Hamer Hall and ‘Heathers’ (dir. Alister Smith). She graduated as a proud recipient of the Paul and Donna Dainty award for excellence. For the Australian Shakespeare Company, she has played Snug the Joiner in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, various roles in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, Peaseblossom in ‘Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies’ and Second Witch in ‘Macbeth’. Henny also tours with Complete Works Theatre Company as part of their Shakespeare and Poetry team (dir. Andrew Blackman).
Scott Middleton
Swing
Scott has worked extensively across theatre, film and television both nationally and internationally, and has established several companies dedicated to devising new work. His training includes a BA in Acting from Federation University (2008) and a Masters from RADA, London (2016), alongside extensive study in Commedia dell’Arte, Viewpoints, Suzuki, and with Frantic Assembly.
After returning to Melbourne, Scott founded Sheoak Productions, producing Two Gents, Midsummer, and Hamlet, in which he also performed the title role. He is a regular Movement and Acting lecturer at Federation University and made his directorial debut with the third-year graduating company’s devised work Exquisite Corpse, followed by The Putnam County Spelling Bee. He is grateful to return and share his knowledge where his professional journey began.
Recent stage credits include the sold-out season of Traps at La Mama; Songs of the Flesh, Prophet, and The Importance of Being Earnest as Performed by Three F**king Queens and a Duck at Theatre Works; Torch Song at Chapel Off Chapel; and Imp! (One Man, Many Parts)—his solo Commedia show—for Melbourne Fringe. Screen credits include Underbelly:Squizzy, Warnie, Single Out, and the Tropfest 2026 short film Now I See. Scott tours internationally with Interactive Theatre International’s Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience and Confetti & Chaos, and locally with Essence Productions’ The Dress. Scott made his debut with the Australian Shakespeare Company last season in The Merry Wives of Windsor and Macbeth, and is thrilled to be returning again this season.
Creatives
Glenn Elston OAM
Director
Glenn Elston OAM has directed over 250 seasons Shakespeare, Classic Works, Musicals and Family Theatre. A prominent figure in Australian theatre, he is particularly known for pioneering outdoor picnic theatre in Australia and creating immersive, family-friendly experiences that have become beloved traditions.
Elston began his journey in 1987, forming a small performance collective that has since grown to be Australia's largest independent theatre company. His dedication to making Shakespeare and other classic stories accessible to a broad audience has led to the production of iconic outdoor performances, particularly during the summer season, attracting audiences from across the nation.
His repertoire includes celebrated productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, Much Ado About Nothing, Richard III, Comedy of Errors, Henry IV - Part I, Richard III, Merry Wives of Windsor, Hamlet, Macbeth, and As You Like It. Beyond Shakespeare, he has written and directed original stage adaptations of beloved stories like The Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland, Toad’s Birthday Party, The Caribbean Pirates, Jack and the Beanstalk, Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies and Jungle Book – The Next Chapter. His productions of classic texts includes Lady Chatterley's Lover, Wuthering Heights, The Crucible and Pygmalion.
In 1987, Glenn was founding producer of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival which has gone on to become the 3rd largest comedy festival in the world. Glenn also was a founding member of the Melbourne Comedy Club, originally based at the Hilton Hotel and formed with Rita Rudner, Martin Bergman, Michael Edgely Group, Greg Hocking and Tim Woods.
In 1990, Glenn was co-producer of Hair which opened in Melbourne and then began a tour around Australia. Glenn took over as tour director in Sydney and travelled with the production to venues in Camperdown, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Townsville, Cairns, Kuranda, Darwin, Wollongong, Launceston, Hobart, Newcastle and Tweed Heads.
In 2002, He adapted and directed Much Ado About Nothing into a rock musical with his regular songwriting collaborator, Paul Norton. This adaptation has toured Australia and has enjoyed sold out seasons in many Australian capitols. Six of Glenn’s productions have appeared in five different Adelaide Festivals.
Since 2003, Glenn has been collaborating with Djilpin Arts and co-presented the Walking with Spirits festival - a powerful celebration of Aboriginal traditions held at Malkgulumbu (Beswick Falls) in the Northern Territory. This partnership is this ongoing. Furthermore, in 2010 he produced Noel Tovey’s acclaimed production Little Black Bastard to the Edinburgh’s Gilded Balloon, further amplifying Indigenous voices on the international arts scene.
In 2014, Glenn directed and designed a new Australian touring production of Godspell the Musical which played seasons at Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Traralgon, Sale, Warragal and the Sydney Opera House.
Glenn has produced many local and international acts over the years including Sir George Martin in Concert with Glenn Shorrock, The John Farnham Band, James Rayne & Tommy Amanuel (QPAC, Hammer Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne and the Sydney Opera House), David Strassman, The Heartbreak Kid, Blues in the Night, The Life and Death of Sandy Stone (Barry Humphries), Five Guys Named Moe, Bitch! Dyke! Faghag! Whore! (Penny Arcade), A Stretch of the Imagination and three Australian Tours of Marianne Faithfull including a special performance of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s Seven Deadly Sins.
In recognition of his contributions, Glenn Elston was honoured with a Melbourne Award for Contribution to Melbourne's Profile by an Individual in 2014 and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2018 for his service to the performing arts. He is the Artistic Director of the Australian Shakespeare Company (ASC) and a director at A.T. Management.
This year, Glenn is bringing three productions to London's Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It will mark his seventh season there.
Paul Norton
Musical Director
Sue-Ellen Shook
Choreographer
Sue-Ellen has been in the dance industry for nearly four decades.
A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, her career covers all facets of dance, in Australia and internationally, including Film, Television, Musical Theatre, Music Concerts, Sporting Events and Corporate Entertainment. Sue-Ellen has choreographed episodes for the TV shows House Husbands and So you think You Can Dance. Her stage choreography credits include Motherhood the Musical and Menopause the Musical. She has been resident choreographer for the Australian Shakespeare Company for over 10 years in Australia and England. Her performance credits include: “Baby Doll” for Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge, “Demon Woman” on the Stan series Preacher and lead dancer for the ABC’s The Divorce. Stage credits include A Chorus Line (Australian Tour) Starlight Express (in Germany), and Tiger Lily in the Sydney production of Pan, The Production Company’s Oklahoma, Boy from Oz, 42nd Street, Pajama Game, Sugar and Promises Promises, as well as the role of “Moth” in multiple seasons of ASC’s “Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies.”
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Ticket Exchanges
You can exchange your tickets up to 3 hours prior to the performance time.
FAQ
The show is listed as Fully Booked, does this mean it is sold out?
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If a show is 'Fully Booked' this means there are no more tickets available, however more allocation may sometimes become available closer to the performance date if other patrons exchange their tickets.
Some performances may have a waitlist available which will be accessible via the show information page. We encourage guests to sign up so we can let you know when more tickets are released.
How do I request a date change?
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Ticket exchanges are sometimes necessary for our patrons due to weather conditions, family illness or unexpected emergencies. You can exchange tickets for another performance date, subject to availability (conditions apply). If a performance is cancelled due to weather, you are eligible for a lifetime credit note for the face value of your tickets. This is valid for any ASC production in Australia.
For MAINSTAGE performances, all exchanges must be made 3 hours prior to the performance start time.
For FAMILY THEATRE performances, all exchanges must be made 1 hour prior to the performance start time.
How will I be notified of a cancelled show due to bad weather?
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If a performance is to be cancelled, patrons will be notified via a text message and an email. We will also display a cancellation notice on the home page of our website.
Earliest notification of a cancelled performance will be on-the-day-of the scheduled performance and in some circumstances, may be within an hour of the scheduled start time.
Where do I collect lost property?
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If you have lost an item at one of our shows please call (03) 8676 7511 or email boxoffice@shakespeareaustralia.com.au.
If you find an item, please pass it onto one of our team members so it can be reunited with its owner.
Can I meet and greet the performers after the show?
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Meet-and-greets are typically reserved for important requests, such as for children with unique needs, and are subject to performer health, schedule, and weather/venue conditions.
Even when pre-arranged, unforeseen circumstances may require us to adjust or cancel them at short notice. If you’d like to request a meet-and-greet, please reach out in advance and we will do our best to accommodate.
Can I bring a camping chair to Shakespeare Under The Stars?
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You can bring standard height picnic/camping chairs but you will need to sit at the back of the audience area so people sitting on blankets and low rise chairs can see the show unobstructed.
A-Reserve ticket holders have low rise chairs preset for them prior to arrival.
What does it mean when a performance says “allocation exhausted”?
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Allocation exhausted means that there are currently no tickets available for this event. More tickets may be released, but this is not guaranteed. If you are looking for a single extra ticket, please contact our Box Office on 03 8676 7511.
Can I bring food or drink to the show?
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For Mainstage Under The Stars Performances
For our Outdoor Mainstage Melbourne shows, you are welcome to bring your own food, drinks, and anything you would typically bring to a picnic.
For Outdoor Family Theatre Performances
Our Family Theatre shows allow you to bring food and drinks. However, alcohol may be prohibited at certain venues or shows. Please refer to the venue information page for the specific show you are attending for more details.
For Indoor Performances
For all our indoor productions, outside food is not permitted. However, you are welcome to bring bottled water.
What happens if the weather is bad?
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Earliest notification of a cancelled performance will be on the day of the performance. Performances usually proceed in light drizzle, but cancellations do occur when needed.
If a performance is cancelled, patrons will be notified via text message and email.
Guests will be able to exchange their tickets for another night, or receive a credit note for future ASC performances.
Can I bring alcohol to Shakespeare Under the Stars?
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Alcohol may be brought to the Southern Cross Lawn along with your picnic.
You may also purchase beer, wine or sparkling by the glass or bottle from our bar on-site.
There will also be a range of pre-mixed drinks and non-alcoholic options available from our bar.
How do I order food at the Southern Cross Lawn, Shakespeare Under The Stars productions?
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We have an onsite bar serving a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, tea, and coffee, along with a wide range of bar snacks available for purchase.
Food ordering is facilitated by an office pizzeria that delivers just before the show starts, with orders typically closing one hour prior to the performance.
Food ordering may not always be available; in such cases, we suggest ordering via Uber Eats to 100 Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, 3000.
Where can I buy tickets?
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Our primary location for ticket sales is via our website.
Alternatively, you may use our secondary ticketing partners: Ticketmaster, TodayTix and Halftix.
Onsite Box Office Sales are also permitted on arrival, (subject to availability).
Please note, Viagogo is not a legitimate ticket seller for any ASC events.
What is the A-Reserve Package?
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For Mainstage Under The Stars Performances
On arrival at the venue, you’ll be shown to your Premium Reserved seating area with a low-rise chair under the stars. Once settled, head to the bar pre-show to pick up your complimentary red, white, or sparkling wine to enjoy during the performance. During the interval, or whenever you like, you can visit the kiosk to collect your complimentary tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
A Reserve seats are set up prior to doors opening and are now allocated seating. We reserve the right to reallocate tickets due to operational requirements.
What to bring?
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It is not essential to bring anything, but General Admission ticket holders are welcome to bring a travel rug, chair or cushion to sit on – whatever you need to make yourself comfortable on the grass. A Reserve ticket holders do not need to bring chairs, your seats will be set up prior to your arrival on site.
Please note that low rise chairs at a maximum of 15cm from the ground can be used towards the front of the audience viewing area. If you bring a standard height chair, these will be placed at the rear of the audience viewing space.
Our productions take place outdoors and there is no cover. Please consider bringing a hat, coat, blanket, sunscreen and a water bottle when attending.
Please note that umbrellas cannot be raised during performance times.
Dressing up is optional and encouraged for all our shows!
What is a Companion Card Ticket?
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This ticket is for carers and support works with a valid Companion Card.
This card is for people with significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for a high level of support to participate in community events and activities.
The card allows a person’s carer free entry into participating venues and events.
Companion Cards are part of a nationally run program that aims to promote a person’s right to fair ticketing and to make community access and participation more accessible and affordable.
When purchasing a Companion Ticket, please remember to bring your companion card with you so our box office team may sight it on arrival. If you are not able to provide a valid companion card, you may be asked to upgrade your ticket to a different price type.
What time does the performance start?
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The performance start time is the marked time on your ticket and booking confirmation; it is not the venue opening time.
Photos & Filming
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You are allowed to take photos of the stage, as well as with your family and friends before the show. However, no photos or video are permitted during the performance.
Can I smoke onsite?
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Our audience areas are smoke-free, especially at our family shows. Each venue has a different policy on smoking. Check out the venue information pages to know more.
Why do weather cancellations happen last minute?
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We cannot gather accurate and up to date weather data from the Bureau of Meteorology until approximately 2 hours prior to the start of each show.
We closely monitor rain maps and radars to assess whether or not the predicted forecast will eventuate as planned, be delayed, change directions or disperse.
The current El Nino pattern adds another layer of complexity to assess for cancellations. It means that sudden weather changes are more likely and thus, advance warning for some weather events has been compromised.
In the event of a cancellation, customers will be notified by a text message and an email, and a public notice will be placed on the home page of the website.
Can I bring my dog?
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Dogs are not allowed at performances of mainstage or family theatre shows. However, service animals are always welcome.
What time does the venue open?
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For Mainstage Under The Stars Performances
The gates to the performance area open 2 hours prior to the start of the show.
For Outdoor Family Theatre Performances
The performance area opens 1 hour prior to the performance.
How do I get there?
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Each venue has its own information page with maps, directions, transport and other general information. You may find this page on the show page by clicking the button labeled "Venue Information."
Do you accept Companion Card?
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The Australian Shakespeare Company is pleased to support the Companion Card program. You may purchase one Companion Card ticket during the regular booking process.
If you require additional Companion Card tickets, please contact the box office directly on 03 8676 7511.
Please ensure to bring your valid companion card with you on the date of the performance.
I have a question regarding accessibility
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We are here to help you and make the most of your experience, so please let us know your individual requirements when booking. You can contact us on 03 8676 7511 or email boxoffice@shakespeareaustralia.com.au.
Please note, all performances take place on grass.
How does seating work?
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All our outdoor shows are presented in the style of “Picnic Theatre”. This means you can bring along everything you would bring to a picnic such as food, drink and a picnic rug to sit on. You can bring standard height picnic chairs but you will need to sit at the back of the audience area so people sitting on blankets and low rise chairs can see the show unobstructed.
Chair hire is also available onsite for $5 for all Shakespeare Under The Stars performances. No pre-booking possible and there are limited numbers.
Venue
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne - Southern Cross Lawn
All our outdoor shows are presented in the style of “Picnic Theatre”. This means there are no seats provided and you are encouraged to bring along anything that will make your experience more comfortable, such as: a blanket, cushions, beanbags or camping chairs.
You may bring along a chair of any height, however please keep in mind that chairs raised more than 15cm off the ground will be placed at the back of the lawn so as to not obstruct the view of other guests.
For all Under the Stars productions located on the Southern Cross Lawn, Chair hire is also available onsite for $5 each, subject to availability. Seating cannot be reserved in advance.