Shakespearean twist takes Invercargill event from Queens Park to city centre
Invercargill’s long-standing annual summer Shakespeare in the Park event is getting a tempestuous twist and a new name this season.
In addition to moving out of its usual Queens Park location and indoors to the SIT Centrestage Theatre, the event will host comedian, writer and actor Penny Ashton’s latest solo musical, The Tempestuous, for two nights.
It will also coincide with a special themed edition of the popular Night Food Market on Don St.
The aim of the changes was to better account for the weather and give people a theatre experience, Shakespeare in the Park Charitable Trust chairperson Angela Newell said.
The trust also wanted to try something different, she said. It made sense to use the city centre, given the popularity of the food market.
Shakespeare in the City will run from Thursday, January 25 until Saturday, January 27.
On the Thursday, Improv Southland will present a series of games and scenes with Shakespearean themes, stories and characters at the Centrestage. This will be followed by a poetry slam MC’d by Ashton.
Entry to the evening is free, with donations appreciated.
“This year we’re encouraging people to enjoy the hospitality opportunities on Don St before attending the show,” Newell said.
The Tempestuous shows will take place on the Friday and Saturday, for audience members aged 14 years and above. Tickets can be booked online via iTicket, and those bought before Christmas Eve will be discounted.
The Night Food Market will take place on the Friday, while local venues can cater to patrons on the Saturday.