The Roots of a Beloved Summer Tradition: Glenn Elston and the History of Shakespeare in the Gardens 🌿🎭

The story begins in 1987, when Glenn Elston had a bold idea: to take theatre out of traditional indoor venues and present it under the open sky. Starting with a small collective, Elston and his collaborators laid the groundwork for what would become one of Australia’s most beloved cultural traditions - Shakespeare Under the Stars.

Under Elston’s artistic vision, the concept of outdoor Shakespeare blossomed. What started as an intimate performance soon became a vibrant annual event. By blending the timeless power of Shakespeare’s words with the relaxed joy of picnics and summer nights, Elston created an experience that transcends typical theatre - it’s communal, accessible, and alive with atmosphere.

Elston’s influence didn’t stop at one garden. Over decades, his productions - featuring classics like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth - played to over a million audience members across Australia. These aren’t just performances; they are seasonal traditions that bring together families, students, tourists, and theatre lovers of all ages.

While the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne remain a home base for these outdoor Shakespeare experiences, Elston’s vision has taken the Australian Shakespeare Company far beyond. From urban parks and botanical gardens to remote settings including Kakadu National Park and Queensland’s far north, the company has showcased Shakespeare’s work to communities of all kinds - proving that great theatre thrives wherever people gather.