Shakespeare in the Squares returns for 2023 with Twelfth Night touring London squares

Shakespeare in the Squares has announced its return for 2023 with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

The company will once again perform a classic work of The Bard across garden squares and open spaces which make the London landscape.

The tour will cover 22 outdoor London venues, and 27 performances making 2023 its most ambitious season yet. New locations for this year include Clitterhouse Playing Fields NW2, Kensington Square Gardens W2, Belgrave Square SW1, The Actors’ Church Gardens WC2, and Charlton House and Gardens SE7.

Performances begin 13 June at Arundel and Ladbroke Gardens, with previews from 7 June, and runs until 7 July.

Shakespeare in the Squares celebrates its sixth anniversary with a new production of Twelfth Night set in the 1920s, this glorious romantic comedy of mistaken identity follows the wonderfully complex and entangled lives of siblings Viola and Sebastian.

Shakespeare in the Squares is a highlight of London summertime. Each performance is tailor made to its venue, offering a unique audience experience where no two shows are the same. The company works with the garden committees and other local organisations to create an intimate experience for each London community.

Sioned Jones will direct the production with a cast featuring Lucy Ireland (Viola), Carys McQueen (Olivia), Marissa Landy (Feste), Priscille Grace (Maria) Lee Drage (Antonio/Sea Captain), Richard Emerson (Malvolio/Officer) Toby Gordon (Orsino/Sir Toby Belch) and Fred Thomas (Sebastian/Sir Andrew Aguecheek).

Founders of Shakespeare in the Squares, Sue Fletcher and Martin Neild, said: “We are delighted to be embarking on our sixth annual summer tour and we are proud that Shakespeare in the Squares has become a well-established and much-loved part of London’s Summer theatre scene.

“We continue to spread our reach right across the capital and are excited to be performing in new venues from Belgrave Square, SW1 to The Actors’ Church Gardens, in Covent Garden, and Clitterhouse Playing Fields in NW2. We look forward to welcoming new audiences to a magical evening of theatre, music and dance in one of London’s beautiful gardens settings.”

Patron of Shakespeare in the Squares, Dame Judi Dench commented: “I made my Broadway debut as Viola, so Twelfth Night has always been a very special play for me. I can’t imagine a more perfect choice for Shakespeare in the Squares: music, mischief, missing twins, and romance – all played out on balmy summer evenings in the heart of London’s enchanted gardens and squares. I much look forward to seeing their production and know they ‘will strive to please you every day.”

For more information, full venues, dates and tickets, visit shakespeareinthesquares.co.uk