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Shakespeare Returneth!
This Summer, we're transforming 32 of our pub gardens into the perfect setting for open-air Shakespeare with a mammoth 47 performances from July until September, our biggest year yet!
For 2019, Open Bar brings you The Merry Wives of Windsor and Romeo & Juliet for shows full of fun, laughter and sword-swinging action.
THE Merry wives of windsor
Falstaff: a character so great, Queen Elizabeth herself commissioned a new play all about him. What followed was 'The Merry Wives of Windsor': an epic farce, a chaotic comedy, a multi-prank fiesta perfect for a night in a pub garden.
Read more and book now Meet the cast
romeo & juliet
In one of the Bard’s most famous plays, two households, both alike in dignity (or lack thereof, if this production is anything to go by) battle it out on the streets of Verona, while young love develops in the most unlikely place. Will there be swords? Yes. Will there be laughs? Yes. Will Romeo and Juliet get their happy ending? No. Obviously not.
Read more and book now meet the cast
Book your tickets today
Find a Shakespeare Pub
READ OUR REVIEWS FROM LAST YEAR
Lovely, witty, naughty – pub theatre at its playful best
Customer, The Plough Inn
Fantastic fun! The cast were brilliant and funny
Peter, The Plough Inn
Such an amazing night, the actors were just brilliant, the play was wonderfully witty and the food was fab
Customer, The Castle Harrow
Brilliantly funny and cleverly-adapted production. The acting was superb with wonderful comic timing. Don’t miss this production, it is highly recommended.
Julia, The Castle Harrow
Hilarious! So well put-together and entertaining throughout. Catch it on tour this summer if you can.
Craig, The Gun
Excellent! Very funny and professional.
Andrew, The Plough Inn
A hugely enjoyable evening. Wonderful creativity and great fun yet still doing justice to the play.
Alison, The Plough Inn
Relaxed, funny, super entertaining Shakespeare. Great atmosphere in a lovely garden with a drink! I loved it!
Customer, The Prince Albert
Full of gumption, pace and enthusiasm.
West End Wilma
WATCH LAST YEAR'S PERFORMANCES
In 2018, Open Bar performed two of the bard’s best-loved comedies - Much Ado About Nothing and the magical Midsummer Night's Dream in front of packed crowds from London to Bath. Shakespeare as it was intended… interactive, informal and in the pub garden.
Much Ado About Nothing
Shakespeare’s most frequently performed comedy, full of parties, masked balls, love and a rather combative courtship. Mischief and trickery are rife in arguably the Bard’s wittiest comedy, so let the tale unfold around you in a beautiful pub garden.
A midsummer night's dream
Become immersed in the inter-twining relationships of four young lovers set in an enchanted forest where sprites lurk and fairies rule. A twisting tale of surprises and laughs, your seat awaits centre stage.
Pre-show must knows
- The crew perform whatever the weather so don’t be disheartened by the rain – ponchos will be on hand to keep you dry!
- Bring something warm as it cools down after dark; blankets are supplied for cooler evenings.
- Seats are first come, first served – remember, early birds catch the best seats in the house!
- Official photos may be taken at some performances, tell a member of the team if you’re camera shy.
Eating and drinking
We’re a pub company and food and drink are our thing. You can choose to dine with us before or after the performance or order a quick bite to enjoy during the interval. Call ahead to make a booking and to find out what pre-theatre feasts your local has in store.