The esteemed outdoor theatre festival returns to Glasgow this Summer, Bard in the Botanics will through open the gates to the Gardens once again in a celebration of Shakespeare and theatre.
Committed to the Bard, while the company continue to press forward with their revitalising decision to expand their repertoire, the programme includes a staging of a The Merry Wives of Windsor Wishaw and a new version of Measure for Measure.
After deciding to break with tradition and expand the authorship last year, leading to extraordinary performances of Jekyll & Hyde and The Importance of Being Earnest, Bard in the Botanics celebrates remarkable women with Jane Eyre and Hedda Gabler. And it’s here where their new theming, “Her Infinite Variety” is truly visible in Artistic Director Gordon Barr’s 21st year at the held of the performances.
The year of Stephanie McGregor, who will lead Jane Eyre and Measure for Measure, Jennifer Dick will also return to adapt and direct this year. And following their exceptional, and award-winning, Medea, Kathy McKean returns with award-winning Nicole Cooper to stage an updated version of Hedda Gabler at the Kibble Palace. And after a striking performance as Falstaff in Henry IV, this iconic performance from Alan Steele will lead a new take of The Merry Wives of Windsor (titled The Merry Wives of Wishaw) for a West coast take on the riotous comedy.
Tickets for the upcoming Bard in the Botanics season will go on sale on April 29th.
Following their success with Jekyll & Hyde in 2023, Jennifer Dick returns to Bard in the Botanics to open the season with their interpretation of Jane Eyre.
Starring Stephanie McGregor, now set in Scotland, Dick’s dynamic adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s novel will retain the gripping elements which continue to capture the hearts of readers across generations. Utilising Jane’s passionate and uncompromising perspective in the lush beauty of the Botanic Gardens.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Adapted by Jennifer Dick
June 19th – July 6th, 2024
Up first for the Kibble Palace is a real treat, and one audiences will no doubt be looking forward to as CATS-winner Nicole Cooper returns to Bard in the Botanics as Hedda Gabler in a new production of the tale from Kathy McKean.
The beautiful surroundings of the Kibble Palace make the perfect framing for this new version of Henrik Ibsen’s powerful masterpiece, directed by Bard in the Botanics’ Artistic Director Gordon Barr. This is McKean’s second commission from the company following the rousing success of Medea (itself winning the Best Production at the Critic’s Award for Theatre in Scotland 2022).
Kibble Palace
Version by Kathy McKean
June 20th – July 6th , 2024
Shifting the Merry Wives from Windsor to Wishaw, Bard in the Botanics kicks off the second part of the season with Alan Steele returning to his tremendous interpretation of Falstaff (after a hale and hearty Henry IV).
Still bringing new versions of the Shakespearean works which audiences adore, The Merry Wives of Wishaw offers a fresh take on the riotous comedy now with a defiantly gallus West Coast flair, adapted by Gordon Barr.
Glasgow Botanical Gardens
Adapted by Gordon Barr
July 11th – 27th, 2024
Stephanie McGregor’s year, not only playing the lead in Jane Eyre, but McGregor also returns as Isabella in Jennifer Dick’s adaptation of the powerful and timely story, Measure for Measure.
A four-hander performed at Kibble Palace, Dick returns to both write and direct this adaptation of a tale which continues to fight against men’s abuse of power over women, in this frighteningly relevant piece – and a hugely fitting show for this season.
Kibble Palace
Adapted by Jennifer Dick
July 11th – 27th, 2024
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