The sun in London rarely puts its hat on for long, and so the moment that it does decide to grace the capital with its presence, you can bet your bottom dollar that we Londoners will darn well be making the most of it. If we’re thirsty, we’ll be sipping tinnies in the park. If we’re hungry, we’ll be having a picky-bits picnic. And if we’re in need of a bit of entertainment? Well, luckily for us, Shakespeare in the Squares is returning to some of London’s most gorgeous gardens this sunny season, ready to entertain us al-fresco.
Back for its eighth summer in the city; the not-for-profit touring theatre company puts an imaginative spin on a Shakespeare classic each year, and performs it across various London gardens and green spaces, changing venue (almost) every night. This summer’s play of choice is The Taming of the Shrewand the ‘comedy battle of wits, wills, and wild romance with toe-tapping pop classics’ will be playing a total of 33 performances across 27 stunning London locations.
Beloved for tailoring each and every performance to perfectly suit the surroundings, Shakespeare in the Squares offers audiences a completely unique show every night. The tour will kick off on June 4 in central London’s Leinster Squareand will take its final bow in the garden of the Actors Church just over five weeks later.
The Taming of the Shrew will be performing inside the leafy green likes of Crystal Palace Park, Connaught Square, Kensington Gardens Square and St James’ Square. Casting is yet to be announced but the play will be directed by Toby Gordonwho is certainly no stranger to a bit of Shakespeare, with credits including Twelfth Night and All’s Well That Ends Well. Each year, the creative team collaborates with each venue committee or local organiser to ensure that the experience is perfect for each and every spot.
Founders, Martin Neild and Sue Fletchercomment, “One of the great pleasures of Shakespeare is the way his work is always open to reinvention. We can’t wait to see Toby bring Padua to London’s gardens in his imaginative take on this popular play.”
So, grab your pals, pack a picnic, and prepare yourself for a wonderfully al-fresco evening of summer Shakespeare.
Shakespeare in the Squares will take place across 27 beautiful London locations this summer. Find out more and plan your visit here.
