Shakespeare To Be Performed in Ealing Pub Gardens
The Tempest is being staged at The Plough, The Rose and Crown and The Duke of Kent
A previous production of a Shakespeare play by Open Door
It’s a case of ‘Your Bard’ rather than ‘You’re Barred’ with Shakespeare’s The Tempest set to be performed in three Ealing pubs.
Shakespeare in the Garden produced by theatre company Open Bar is returning this year to Fuller’s pubs to perform. This is the ninth year running that Fuller’s pub customers have been able to enjoy alfresco productions from Britain’s greatest playwright, but this year, of course, with a socially distanced twist.
Tickets must be purchased in advance online. They cost £18 per person and are sold in groups of two, four or six depending on the venue. Performances run from 7.30pm to 10pm.
Open Bar co-founder and director, Nicky Diss, said, “Every year we try to bring accessible and fun Shakespeare shows to Fuller's pub gardens and, this year, we all need inspiring theatre more than ever. We're dusting off our aerial rig and The Tempest will be blowing into a beer garden near you.”
Open Bar Theatre was formed in 2016 by Nicky Diss and Vicky Gaskin to produce Shakespeare for Fuller’s pub gardens. It is a female-led company, creating theatre that is accessible to everyone. The company adopts a lively, informal style for its performances, which fits well with the relaxed setting of a picturesque pub garden.
Vicky says: “Our audiences are a real mix of pub goers and theatre fans. We love them all but nothing beats witnessing someone enjoying Shakespeare for the first time. The more reluctant they are at the beginning, the more magical it is.”
This year has, of course, been a bit different. Nicky says: “Trying to produce a show in 2020 has been a roller coaster to say the least. Fuller’s has been so positive and supportive throughout and, in a world where all artists are feeling undervalued and concerned for their future, we feel immensely privileged to be able to provide work for creatives – and ourselves.”
The Tempest will be boldest show yet for Shakespeare in The Garden, with original music, vibrant costumes and a hint of aerial circus.
Performance Dates
The Plough Inn, Ealing 3 September
The Rose and Crown, Ealing 10 September
The Duke of Kent, Ealing 28, 29 September
August 19, 2020