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Top 6 Tips for Coming to Shakespeare Under the Stars 🌙✨

There’s nothing quite like experiencing Shakespeare outdoors on a summer evening — a picnic by your side, the sky above, and classic theatre brought vividly to life. To help you make the most of your night at Shakespeare Under the Stars, here are our top six tried-and-true tips.

1. Pack a Picnic (and Arrive Early)

One of the great joys of Shakespeare Under the Stars is settling in before the show begins. Bring a picnic, enjoy the atmosphere, and soak up the surroundings. Arriving early also means less rushing and more time to get comfortable before the action starts.

2. Bring the Right Seating

Low-backed chairs, picnic rugs, or cushions are ideal. They’re comfortable for you and considerate of the audience behind you. If you’re using a chair, make sure it won’t block anyone’s view - good theatre etiquette helps everyone enjoy the show.

3. Dress for a Summer Evening

While days can be warm, evenings can cool down quickly. Light layers are your best friend. A jumper or jacket after sunset can make all the difference, especially once you’ve been sitting still for a while.

4. Don’t Forget the Essentials

A few small items can elevate your experience:

  • A reusable water bottle

  • Insect repellent

  • A hat or sunscreen for earlier sessions

  • A small torch or phone light for packing up after the show

These little comforts help you stay focused on the story - not the mozzies.

5. Trust the Story (Even If You’re New to Shakespeare)

You don’t need to be a Shakespeare expert to enjoy the show. These productions are designed to be accessible, entertaining, and engaging, whether it’s your first Shakespeare play or your fifteenth. Let the performances, physical storytelling, and live atmosphere guide you - you’ll be surprised how quickly you’re swept along.

6. Embrace the Outdoor Magic

Birds may fly overhead, the breeze might rustle the trees, and the sky will slowly darken as the play unfolds. That’s all part of the experience. Outdoor theatre is alive, unpredictable, and wonderfully immersive - lean into it.

Come prepared, relax, and enjoy one of the most memorable ways to experience live theatre.