Southland’s annual feast of Shakespeare is leaving its usual setting of Queens Park and coming into the city, bringing with it someone fabulous.

Shakespeare in the Park will see award-winning comedian, writer and actor Penny Ashton (Promise and Promiscuity, Olive Copperbottom) presenting her latest literary solo musical; an Elizabethan tale of magic, meddling and puffed bull’s pizzles - The Tempestuous for two nights at SIT Centrestage Theatre in January.

An early evening food market on Don St, pop-up Shakespearean performances and a night of poetry and improv will provide companion pieces to the main event.

Shakespeare in the Park Charitable Trust Chair Angela Newell says the move into the city is an opportunity to breathe new life into the annual production.

“This year we’re encouraging people to enjoy the hospitality opportunities on Don St before attending the show at nearby SIT Centrestage Theatre,” Newell said. 

On Friday, a night market will offer street food, while on both Friday and Saturday evenings local venues will provide outdoor spaces to enjoy the warm, long nights, whether that be catch-up refreshments with friends or a pre or post-show meal, she said.

Shakespeare will still be ever-present, merely against the backdrop of the city.

“We’ve brought Shakespearean-based performances to Southland for twenty-three years, usually in one of the city parks. However for 2024, the trust is trying something different, reaching out to audiences who may prefer to make a night of it, enjoying a meal out followed by the show in a convenient location.”

The Tempestuous sees Sicily’s beloved King Enzo dead as Princess Rosa, a stroppy spinster, navigates the tempestuous waters of belching step-fathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches, to face her destiny.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE CITY, JAN, 25-27, 2024

• The Tempestuous, a new musical play by Penny Ashton and William Shakespeare, Friday and Saturday, January 26-27. CLICK HERE to book. Tickets $20-40, plus booking fees.

• Night food market, Friday, January 26, with Shakespearean pop-up performances

• Poetry Slam and Theatresports, Thursday, January 25, SIT Centrestage Theatre

For further information please contact Angela Newell on 021516387.