Special events

ON SHAKESPEARE, POWER AND POLITICS

Shakespeare knew that “uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”.

Throughout his work he was not afraid to speak to and question political structures, and how humans have grappled with and sought power throughout history. His expansive stories include characters that are drawn from the pages of history and reflect the ambitions of the common man. Join us for a series of explosive conversations featuring representatives from the worlds of the arts, politics, academia and media, as we explore power and politics in Shakespeare’s plays.

Presented in partnership with The Guardian.

Sydney
Tuesday 11 February, 2025, 6.30pm
The Seed, Pier 2/3

Melbourne
Thursday 13 March, 2025, 6.30pm
Science Gallery Theatre, University of Melbourne

Canberra
Thursday 27 March, 2025, 6.30pm
National Film and Sound Archive

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PLAY IN A DAY: KING JOHN

Wednesday 23 April, 2025, 6.30pm
The Neilson Nutshell, Pier 2/3

Bell Shakespeare’s lively script reading series celebrating rarely read classics continues in 2025. Actors and director have one day together before standing script-in-hand in front of an audience, the bare-bones reading allowing the words to take the stage.

If you attended In A Nutshell in 2022, you will remember Blazey Best’s heartbreaking performance as the grief-stricken Constance from King John. Since then, we have received numerous inquiries from audience members curious about the play. King John is one of Shakespeare’s least performed works, yet it contains one of the most poignant and emotional monologues in his canon. It tells the story of King John’s turbulent reign, and his coldblooded determination to keep hold of the crown.

Don’t miss this unforgettable Play In A Day, directed by Margaret Thanos and staged in The Neilson Nutshell on Shakespeare’s birthday.

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EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBER EVENT: A DEEP DIVE INTO CORIOLANUS

Tuesday 20 May, 2025, 6.30pm
The Seed, Pier 2/3

Coriolanus is rarely staged in Australia and we are delighted to be presenting it in 2025. It explores important political issues and features one of Shakespeare’s most compelling mother-son relationships.

Professor Liam E. Semler is the author of the Arden Shakespeare’s Coriolanus: A Critical Reader and is Professor of Early Modern Literature at The University of Sydney. We are excited to offer season package holders this exclusive opportunity to hear his fascinating insights up close and personal in The Seed.

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Tickets to this event are only available as part of a Bell Shakespeare season package.

SONNETS & SEMILLON

Thursday 28 August, 2025, 6:30pm
The Seed, Pier 2/3

Bell Shakespeare’s popular annual evening of performance paired with curated tastings of selected Tyrrell’s Wines returns! A delicious selection of wines hand-picked by fifth-generation winemaker and Chief Executive Officer of Tyrrell’s Wines, Chris Tyrrell, will be paired with some of our favourite excerpts and sonnets, performed by Bell Shakespeare artists.

This event is strictly for those over the age of 18.

Presented in proud partnership with Tyrrell’s Wines.

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