Shakespeare in the beer garden? It’s The Tempest like you’ve never seen it before…
It’s not really a London summer without outdoor Shakespeare productions, is it? And whilst The Globe sadly remains closed for now, you’ll find the Bard’s works being performed in a rather more unlikely location this September – beer gardens across the capital. Shakespeare in the Garden kicks off from September 1, and brings a roving production of The Tempest to Fuller’s pubs across the country throughout the month, with plenty of chances to catch it in London. [Featured image: @weareopenbar]
Perhaps the ideal play to witness in such a tempestuous year, this version of The Tempest has been adapted for our uniquely 2020 situation, with the whole play confirming to social distancing measures. Which means Prospero will need to figure out how to win his dukedom back whilst staying a metre away from everyone he’s just shipwrecked on his island… Good luck!
Shakespeare in the Garden is the work of female-led theatre company Open Bar, who will be mounting these beer garden productions for the ninth year running. Whilst they’re taking The Tempest all over England, the London pubs you’ll be able to catch the show at are The Pilot (Greenwich), The Plough Inn (Ealing), The Anglers (Teddington), The Rose and Crown (Ealing), The Turk’s Head (Twickenham), and The Duke of Kent (Ealing). Productions will run throughout September, and you can check the Fuller’s website to find out when it’s playing at your local.
The shows are the ideal opportunity for Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike to kick back with a pint and watch a stage classic come to life, with the help of minimalist sets and some jubilantly committed actors. They’ve been known to throw ukeleles into the production, too… Open Bar promise to serve Shakespeare “like a cool frothy pint on a sunny day: it’s refreshing, comforting and will have you singing all the way home.” Well, I’m sold!
One can only hope that the pandemic takes a leaf out of The Tempest’s book and “like this insubstantial pageant faded, leave not a rack behind.”
Find out more about Shakespeare in the Garden and book your tickets here.