Nightly at 7.30pm (except Mondays) and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays

Shakespeare wrote 37 plays. He wrote 120 sonnets. He also wrote many songs. For the 1999 SummerTimes Summer Theatre Season, The Court Jesters will attempt the impossible - all 37 plays, the songs and the sonnets in just 97 minutes.

The play is called The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) and although their doctors have advised them against such a foolhardy show of theatrical bravado, The Court Jesters say they have no fear (or insurance).

Being strong believers in the modernisation of ëThe Bardí, The Court Jesters have made some changes. Othello will be performed as a rap, Titus Andronicus will become a cooking show and youíll get to see Hamlet at normal speed (albeit severely abridged), double speed, the speed of light and then backwards.

The audience will be encouraged to cheer and to boo. Thereíll be swords, star-crossed lovers and of course, lots of silly wigs. At the end of each show the audience will also be encouraged to drop a coin or two into the hat for the benefit of the volunteer members of the cast and crew.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) will be staged on the Daffodil Lawns of the Botanic Gardens. The area is well suited to outdoor theatre with plenty of space to spread out a picnic blanket either in the sun or in the shade of the trees. The season includes both evening and weekend matinee sessions.

Site Information

The Daffodil Lawns are located in the Botanic Gardens off Riccarton Avenue (northwest of the Nurses Hostel). Seating isnít provided, so as well as a picnic, theatre-goers are encouraged to bring their own rugs, cushions and chairs.

or check the website at www.summertimes.org.nz