Shakespeare makes a return to Takapuna with the much-loved annual Auckland Shakespeare in the Park at The PumpHouse Theatre’s Outdoor Amphitheatre, from 21 January – 18 February with two of his finest works; Antony and Cleopatra and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Shakespeare has been a popular topic with the media and the public as of late, but Shoreside Theatre continues to prove time and time again that audiences want to support this artform, and 2023 will be yet another one for the books. Next year they’ll be showcasing two sides to Shakespeare’s repertoire, presenting both a comedy and a tragedy.
“We are living proof that people support Shakespeare in our community. Shoreside Theatre is passionate about connecting people with these incredible plays whilst providing a romantic outdoor environment to wile away the summer evenings”, says Shoreside Theatre President and actor in Merry Wives of Windsor, Steph Curtis.
Audiences will get to experience Shakespeare at its finest with this North Shore institution, and the only summer Shakespeare in town. Presenting the best of the Bard for almost a quarter of a century, audiences can expect only the best from this community theatre company, complete with outstanding costumes, superb production, and boasting an impressive cast of 40 hugely passionate local performers. Children under 12 can even experience Antony and Cleopatra and The Merry Wives of Windsor for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Shoreside Shakespeare, a charity organisation run by volunteers, has had a tumultuous few years. In 2020 this non-profit organisation had a devastating blow which almost saw the company go under when $60,000 was fraudulently stolen from them. They managed to find their feet through generous support from the community and earlier this year the offender pled guilty and was sentenced to nine and a half months home detention. Against the odds Auckland Shakespeare in the Park was able to continue to perform in 2021 and 2022, and returns once again to bring two more beloved Shakespeare classics to Tāmaki Makaurau audiences.
Rome’s mightiest general. Egypt’s legendary queen. The immortal love story that shook the pillars of the Ancient World. Drawing upon ancient sources and his own limitless invention, Shakespeare brings us the greatest retelling of the tragic romance of Antony and Cleopatra. Directed by Jason Moffatt, this retelling will come to life on stage at The PumpHouse Theatre’s epic Outdoor Amphitheatre. Love, lust, enmity, ambition; soldiers, soothsayers, servants, courtiers, and pirates; banquets, battles, rousing speeches, quarrels, and love-making – this epic play really does have it all!
The second of the two productions will be the delightful comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor, directed by James Bell. The roguish knight Falstaff decides to fix his financial woes by seducing the wives of wealthy merchants Page and Ford. The wives find he sent them identical letters and take revenge by playing tricks on Falstaff when he comes calling. Meanwhile, suitors are lining up to woo Anne Page, the eligible daughter of Master Page, with everyone in the village wagering on who she’ll marry. With the help of their husbands and friends, the legend of Herne the Hunter, and some playful fairies, the wives play one last trick in the woods to put Falstaff’s mischief to an end and ensure Anne Page a happy match.
21 January – 18 February, 7.30PM
The PumpHouse Theatre’s Outdoor Amphitheatre
For more, visit shoresidetheatre.com
