King Lear

Sydney & Melbourne

  • 14 June -
    20 July

    14 June -
    20 July

    The Neilson Nutshell

    Tickets now on sale

All locationsAll locations
King Lear

Lear, Act 3, Scene 4

Shakespeare's epic of the imagination, King Lear, creates a portrait of a family and a country torn apart.

Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes (including 20 minute interval)
Recommended age: 15+

Melbourne production patrons
Katherine Brazenor & Graeme Brazenor

King Lear has ruled for a lifetime. He has plans for succession – the Kingdom is to be shared among his three daughters. But when he is challenged, Lear’s reaction unravels his family and ultimately the country, hurling him into a storm of rage, self-discovery, and perhaps even acceptance.

Is this Shakespeare’s great exploration of ‘filial ingratitude’? Or the sad tale of an old man in decline and the terrible choices forced upon his daughters? Is it the story of an appallingly entitled and selfish king? Or a daughter too naïve and proud to compromise for an ailing father? It is about all these things, and more. Shakespeare’s epic of the imagination, performed in the profoundly intimate setting of The Neilson Nutshell and the Fairfax Studio.

For the first time since 2010, Bell Shakespeare presents King Lear. Directed by Peter Evans and starring one of Australia’s finest classical actors, Robert Menzies, this heart-wrenching new production promises to be powerful and utterly unforgettable.

About Robert Menzies

Robert Menzies is one of this country’s great classical actors. For Bell Shakespeare he has given us the fatherly, sensitive yet politic Polonius in Hamlet, and the poetic, philosophical but tough-minded Friar in Romeo and Juliet. Robert’s career spans four decades working on some of the great productions in our theatre history. We are thrilled to present his powerful, brilliant and entirely unique performance of Lear.

Planning your visit to King Lear

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The wild, wicked world of King Lear

We’ve done the research, so you can bluff your way through. Here’s a quickfire guide featuring a plot synopsis, character summaries, key quotes and more. Compiled by Andy McLean.

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Getting to The Neilson Nutshell

Pier 2/3 is a heritage-listed finger wharf in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. It features our flagship performance space The Neilson Nutshell, and companion venue The Seed. Here's how to get here.

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Pre-show dining at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct

Find the best restaurants, bars and cafes in Walsh Bay ahead of your visit to Bell Shakespeare.

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BOOK TICKETS

Tickets now on sale. Experience Bell Shakespeare productions as part of a 2024 season package.

King Lear

  • 14 June -
    20 July

    14 June -
    20 July

    The Neilson Nutshell

    Tickets now on sale

Season package ticket prices

Adult Premium: $93
Adult A-reserve: $75
Concession Premium: $77
Concession A-reserve: $64
Under 18/Under 35* Premium: $42
Under 18/Under35* A-reserve: $37

Single ticket prices

Adult Premium: $110
Adult A-reserve: $88
Concession Premium: $90
Concession A-reserve: $75
Under 18/Under 35* Premium: $45
Under 18/Under35* A-reserve: $40
Previews: $45

* Under 35s ticket prices are available for Tuesday - Thursday performances only. Under 18s prices are available for all performances.

King Lear is recommended for audiences aged 15+. Please be advised this production contains depictions of violence consistent with Shakespeare’s original text. We recommend that adults accompanying young people should ensure they are familiar with the plot and content prior to viewing the performance.

Please note this production contains the use of strobe lights.

School performances

King Lear

  • 26 June -
    03 July

    26 June -
    03 July

    The Neilson Nutshell

    Gadigal Country

We strongly advise all teachers to ensure their students are familiar with the play's plot and discuss content, prior to viewing the performance. King Lear is recommended for audiences aged 15+. Please be advised this production contains depictions of violence consistent with Shakespeare’s original text. We recommend that adults accompanying young people should ensure they are familiar with the plot and content prior to viewing the performance.

Please note this production contains the use of strobe lights.

Melbourne

Please note that due to upcoming refurbishment works happening at Arts Centre Melbourne and the resulting noise, it is not possible to present 11am school matinee performances during 2024. An allocation of tickets will be available to school groups during our regular performance schedule. Please email our Learning team to enquire about booking a school group into general public performances (best availability on Tuesday and Wednesday performances).

Shakespeare hub

Your access to free, premium Shakespeare education resources.

Accessibility

It’s important to us that Shakespeare’s work is accessible to all Australians, regardless of their physical abilities.
We’re pleased to offer a range of services and facilities to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
For a list of captioned and audio described performances, please contact our box office on 1300 305 730.
Call us via the National Relay Service — ask for Bell Shakespeare or 1300 305 730.

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Audio

Audio described performances and tactile tours, hearing enhancement and headsets.
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Auslan

Auslan interpreted and captioned performances
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Access & special seating

Our venues provide wheelchair access and guide dogs are welcome.
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Companion Cards

We are a Companion Card affiliate. Let us know at the time of booking and present the card when collecting tickets.