2009 Sydney Shakespeare Festival: The Comedy of Errors and Macbeth

Celebrate summer on Sydney’s fabulous harbour foreshore with the 2009 Sydney Shakespeare Festival. Proudly supported by the City of Sydney, the festival kicks off in January with performances on alternate nights of Shakespeare’s fiercely fun farce, The Comedy of Errors and his gruesome tragedy, Macbeth. FREE for children 12 years and under, people with disabilities and people aged 65 years and over, the festival is on Thursday to Sunday at 8pm from 8 January until 15 February 2009 in Bicentennial Park, Glebe Foreshore. Check the website to see what play is on each night.

Shakespeare’s plays have captured the imagination of millions of people throughout the world for over 400 years and are as exciting and provocative now as the day they were written. In The Comedy of Errors two sets of identical twins, each unknown to the other move in and out of each others’ spheres with dire, often ludicrous, farcical and increasingly nightmarish consequences. In Macbeth vaulting ambition and corrosive guilt culminating in murder and madness, along with witchcraft and ghosts provide spectacle and insight into the darker side of human nature.

In its second year, this annual outdoor festival is fast becoming a fixture on Sydney’s summer calendar. Outdoor theatre is the most accessible and historical performance style and is a great way to spend a summer evening. So bring a picnic and enjoy the magic of Shakespeare under the stars, all while taking in spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney City skyline.

Directed by Julie Baz, the 2009 festival features a versatile cast who perform multiple roles in each play. The cast includes Eammon Bryant, Matt Butcher, Martin Curtis, Richard Hilliar, Steve Maresca, Brendan Miles, Cherilyn Price, Roger Adam Smith, Milly Stillinovic, Gavin Williams, Nicole Wineberg and Tennessee Baz-Jeffrey.

For all you need to know about the 2009 festival including the performance dates for each play, how to book tickets, how to get there and what to bring, check out the Sydney Shakespeare Festival website: www.sydneyshakespearefestival.com.au