Shakespeare in the Park
Not sure if Shakespeare is for you? Come along and check out these AMAZING free shows from the masters of outdoor theatre! You might find yourself laughing, singing and dancing ... you might even cry! The Barden Party were the stars of the 2023 Festival and have returned from dazzling audiences in Australia with a brand new show!
April 6th, 1pm (King Edward Park)
April 7th, 1pm (Te Popo Gardens)
The Tempestuous - Penny Ashton
April 6th, 7.30pm (King's Theatre)
A SHREW’D NEW COMEDY BY WILL SHAKESPEARE & PENNY ASHTON
Sicily’s beloved King Enzo is dead.
Now Princess Rosa, a stroppy spinster, must navigate the tempestuous waters of belching stepfathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches, to face her destiny.
Award-winning Comedian Penny Ashton (Promise and Promiscuity, Olive Copperbottom) presents her latest literary solo musical, sparking 13 characters into life in an Elizabethan tale of magic, meddling and puffed bull’s pizzles.
“... a funny and clever romp...an excellently written script that Shakespeare himself would be proud of.” Theatrescenes.
SHAKESPEARE
IN SCHOOLS
Macbeth
King's Theatre, 8th April
1.30pm
Ugly Shakespeare Company, who have been dazzling audiences with high speed, irreverent productions for years, bring one of the Bard's most popular works to stage. This is the absolute best introduction to Shakespeare you will ever have!
Free entry to schools.
Taranaki Region, 9th April
King's Theatre from 3.30
Door sales $5
The best talent from Taranaki Secondary Schools converge on The King's Theatre for regional qualifier for the annual nationwide Shakespeare Competition that always delivers an outstanding spectacle.
King's Theatre, April 11th & 12th, 7.30pm
TWELFTH NIGHT is the new production which delighted audiences at Q Theatre in October. It is rowdy, rambunctious and joyful. There are love songs, shipwrecks, cross-dressing, pirates, yellow stockings, and a show-stopping belly dancing scene. Audiences feedback on our socials included “The best rendition of Twelfth Night I have ever seen!”, “Amazing production. We laughed and laughed!!!”, and “Amazing first night – so glad you are back!”. This show was a hit at Q Theatre, selling out most of its capacity with almost no advertising.
STRATFORDS OF THE WORLD 2025
WHAKAAHURANGI WHAKAEMI
In January 2025 Stratford in Taranaki will be hosting representatives from Stratfords all around the world; England, USA, Canada and Australia. We need all the host families can get to help us make this an event to remember! This is you to show the world what New Zealand, Taranaki and Stratford has to offer. Make wonderful new friendships and open the opportunity to visit other Stratfords for future events. Check out the photos from the amazing 2023 event in Ontario, Canada where they shared their incredible Stratford Festival with everyone. Tough act to follow but we are up for the challenge!