Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare in the Park Charitable Trust clocks up its 23rd year of presenting outdoor Shakespeare, with a musical, raucous ‘rockabilly retelling’ of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, presented by The Barden Party.

A professional travelling Shakespearean theatre company, The Barden Party was born in a backyard and became a sell-out across the country, picking up awards and accolades during its 50-show season. Now, the most portable modern Shakespeare show is coming to Invercargill.

This time around, the talented team behind the project is showcasing The Bard’s tale of love, misunderstanding and hilarity - Much Ado About Nothing.

Director Laura Irish has assembled a talented cast of 6 who will navigate the intertwining tales of Beatrice and Benedick and Hero and Claudio, as they fall in love and fight and reunite. The play is peppered with pop songs fused into mostly country, folk and bluegrass-style creations with some 1950s flair.

Calling it a ‘rockabilly retelling’, Laura says the show features reimagined songs from Beyonce, Billy Joel, The B-52s, Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles - all arranged by musical director Jake Robinson.

Bring a picnic and a comfy chair and enjoy a couple of hours of entertainment in a summery setting. Children may attend for free!