Twelfth Night – Theatre on Kew

Get ready to laugh yourself silly as The Australian Shakespeare Company continues its much-heralded tradition of “Shakespeare Under the Stars at Kew Gardens” to bring one of the bard’s most beloved comedies, Twelfth Night to the grounds this summer. With over 40 years of pioneering theatre at unique venues, the ASC present exciting, accessible, contemporary productions of Shakespeare to audiences of all generations.
Directed by Glenn Elston OAM, Twelfth Night has delighted critics, with Australian Arts Review calling it a “wonderful show, built around an engine of brilliant performances”, this production promises an unforgettable night of laughter, love, and lyrical mayhem for audiences of all ages.
“This production has been crafted to celebrate imagination, humour and the shared experience of theatre” – Director Glenn Elston OAM
Meet Sir Toby Belch – the man believed to have invented partying; Sir Andrew Aguecheek – dispossessed of any intelligence and naturally silly; Malvolio – a power-hungry puritan who falls from a great moral height when pushed by Sir Toby; and Maria – the housemaid who outwits Malvolio and house-trains Sir Toby. Then there’s Viola, the shipwrecked girl who cross-dresses as a boy to find work, Olivia, the grieving noblewoman who rejects one suitor only to fall for another in disguise, and Orsino, the lovesick Duke whose heart changes course when truth and identity collide.
Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most beautiful gardens, this much-loved outdoor production offers a unique theatre experience. Each theatre ticket include access to Kew Gardens, so audiences can enjoy an idyllic day exploring Kew’s 320 acres of iconic glasshouses and spectacular seasonal displays followed by a theatrical production under the stars.
Pack a picnic, and enjoy an unforgettable summer evening of outdoor theatre, bursting with comedy, romance, and Shakespeare at his finest in one of London’s most beautiful gardens.