Shakespeare in the Park 2022

Overview

It truly wouldn't be summer in Auckland without Shakespeare in the Park — one of the city's longest running outdoor festivals that's been entertaining locals for over 25 years.

This year, even with a slew of events and entertainment cancelled due to Auckland's current red setting in the COVID-19 traffic light framework, Takapuna's favourite summer tradition is still going ahead.

Shoreside Theatre is bringing two of the Bard's yarns to the Pumphouse Theatre's outdoor amphitheatre: bawdy comedy The Merchant of Venice and often-overlooked The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Running from Saturday, January 22 until Saturday, February 19, the shows are the perfect way to celebrate balmy summer evenings on the shore of Lake Pupuke.

Make a night of it by bringing a picnic to enjoy in the park, or visit The French Rendez-vous Restaurant for dinner, before settling in for a night of laugh-out-loud drama. Children under 12 get free admission when accompanied by a paying adult, making it a cheap night out for the whole whanau.

Last year's season was a sell-out and after the demise of both University Shakespeare and Auckland's Pop-Up Globe, this might be your only chance to catch live Shakespeare this summer, so get in quick.