Shakespeare to play in gardens

THE Bard in Buninyong has returned this summer to perform one of the four Shakespearean garden plays, Love’s Labour’s Lost.

Set amongst the Buninyong Botanic Gardens on Scott Street, the play follows King Henri of Navarre and his three companions as they swear off women, earthly delights and wine to concentrate on study, sleeplessness and fasting.

When the French King’s clever and beautiful daughter arrives to negotiate the status of Aquitaine, the men are caught off guard.

Love’s Labour’s Lost is a comical and romantic battle of the sexes, based on events of 1578 and is being directed in Buninyong by Susan Pilbeam. It’s rarely performed, but was a favourite play of Queen Elizabeth I.

Producer, Robert Kelty is looking forward to the troupe’s third family friendly Shakespeare season, as audiences are very supportive and have grown each year.

“Our focus is giving them a different and vibrant experience in a beautiful and relaxed environment,” he said.

“We edit our shows to no more than 90 minutes and include song, music, dance and spectacle. It’s a wonderful way to introduce people to Shakespeare.

“Just bring a picnic and something to sit on to see what the Elizabethans found so amusing.”

The remaining performances are tomorrow, Friday, 15 February at 7pm, Saturday, 16 February at 1pm and 7pm, and Sunday, 17 February at 1pm.

There is entertainment for 15 minutes prior to each show, either live music or juggling depending on the performance. Families are welcome to bring their dogs.

Tickets are available at trybooking.com/book/event?eid=462058& or by cash at the gate. Adults are $25, concession $15, families of two adults and two kids $50 with extra kids $5 each.

Visit facebook.com/ArtsBuninyong/ for more information.