BARD IN THE BOTANICS
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“The perfect way to enjoy a summer’s evening”
The Sunday Herald
Bard in the Botanics is Scotland's only annual outdoor Shakespeare festival. Staged in June and July, within the spectacular and historic surroundings of Glasgow's Botanic Gardens, the festival has a proven a hit with audiences and critics alike.
Since our first festival in 2002, Bard in the Botanics has had phenomenal success, attracting thousands of audience members every year to see Shakespeare performed in a magical outdoor setting.
“Summer wouldn't be the same in Glasgow without this Shakespeare festival“
The List
“When Shakespeare's poetry is leaping off the page in such a gorgeous setting, then audiences can hardly fail to have a good time“
The Scotsman
Keep Up to Date
If you would like to be kept up to date with plans for the 2008 festival and all our other projects, please join our mailing list. We'll keep you informed with regular updates on all our exciting plans, including advance information on all shows and projects and special offers on tickets. Just click on the link below to be taken to the mailing list form.
Click here to join the Bard in the Botanics mailing list
Company Information:
Bard in the Botanics
Outdoor festivals of Shakespeare are a tried and tested formula which has proven successful in almost every major cultural capital in Europe and North America – New York, London, Chicago, Vancouver, Paris, Helsinki, San Francisco – even Bozeman, Montana! Bard in the Botanics is proud to have added the name of Glasgow to this list.
Since our first festival, we have staged more than 25 productions of Shakespeare's work to audiences totalling over 30,000. Details of these can be found on the Past Projects page.
Bard in the Botanics has performed in conjunction with Perth International Festival of the Arts, Big in Falkirk, the Merchant City Festival, Cumbernauld Theatre, North Lanarkshire Youth Arts Festival, Gilmorehill G12 the West End Festival and the macroberts arts centre, Stirling.
Supporting the Company
Bard in the Botanics is committed to bringing high-quality, imaginative and accessible productions of Shakespeare's to audiences from across Scotland and beyond. In order to fulfil our ambitions, we need the help and support of individuals and companies.
For more information on how you or your company can help to support this unique festival, e-mail admin@bardinthebotanics.org or telephone 0141 334 9016.
FRIENDS AND PATRONAGE
Friends and patrons are at the heart of the Bard in the Botanics Festival.
As a friend of the company, you will enjoy unique benefits and will have the opportunity to support a wide range of performances and education projects.
There are a number of membership otions available, all of which give individuals and companies a unique chance to become involved with the Bard in the Botanics Festival. Click on the links to find out more about the various options.
Link to Friend (Single or joint, monthly or annual)
Link to Patron (Single or Joint, Monthly or Annual)
Link to “”Rose Corporate Patron
Link to “”GlobeCorporate Patron
Friend
Single: £30 (or £3.00 per month)
Joint: £50.00 (or £5.00 per month)
“Friends” enjoy:
- · 4 complimentary tickets to any Bard in the Botanics performance
- · Free programme for Bard in the Botanics performances
- · Priority information on all performances and projects
- · Priority booking for all performances
- · Acknowledgement on the Bard in the Botanics festival programme
- To purchase or subscribe to the “Friend” option, click here
For a list of current “Friends”, click here.
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Patron
Single: £100 (or £9.00 per month)
Joint: £160.00 (or £15.00 per month)
All the benefits enjoyed by “Friends”, plus:
- 2 additional complimentary tickets to any Bard in the Botanics performance
- Reserved seating at Bard in the Botanics performances
- Invitation to special events, including
- Reduced offers on picnic baskets, catering, etc.
To purchase or subscribe to the “Friend” option, click here
For a list of current “Patrons”, click here.
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”Rose” Corporate Patron
£600 + VAT
To thank you for your generous support of Bard in the Botanics, “Rose” Corporate Patrons enjoy:
- Personalised booking for Bard in the Botanics performances
- Acknowledgement in all Bard in the Botanics programmes (including company logo)
- Opportunities for special events, including pre-show discussions, meet-the-cast, etc
- Up to 30 free tickets with Champagne Reception for any one Bard in the Botanics performance
To purchase or subscribe to the “Friend” option, click here
For a list of current “Rose Corporate Patrons”, click here.
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“Globe” Corporate Patron
£1,200 + VAT
“Globe” Corporate Patrons receive all the benefits enjoyed by “Rose” Corporate Patrons plus:
- · Acknowledgement in the Botanic Gardens during the Bard in the Botanics festival
- · Acknowledgement on Bard in the Botanics publicity materials
- · An additional 20 free tickets for any one Bard in the Botanics performance in a special VIP audience section
- · Buffet reception at Bard in the Botanics performance
- · Invitations to gala openings/special events
- To purchase or subscribe to the “Friend” option, click here
For a list of current “Globe Corporate Patrons”, click here.
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BARD IN THE BOTANICS 2008
This year Bard in the Botanics are proud to present ‘The Merchant of Venice’, ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and ‘Love’s Labours Lost.’
The Merchant of Venice
Directed by Gordon Barr
A thrilling drama, The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and controversial plays, making its Bard in the Botanics debut in this stunning new production.
When the merchant, Antonio, strikes a bargain with his old enemy, Shylock, the stage is set for a gripping tale of revenge, love and friendship. Age-old resentments and racial tensions come rising to the surface and relationships are pushed to the limit as Shylock pursues his “pound of flesh”.
Venue:
Main Botanic Gardens
Previews:
Wed 25th and Thurs 26th June, 7.45 p.m.
(Preview tickets: £10 / £7)
Performances:
Fri 27th June – Sat 12th July 7.45 p.m.
(no performances on Sundays or Mondays)
Tickets:
Tues – Thurs: £13 / £8 (concession)
Fri – Sat: £15 / £9 (concession)
(no performances on Sundays or Mondays)
Box Office: 0141 330 5522
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Much Ado About Nothing
Directed by Gordon Barr
Prepare for the ultimate battle of the sexes as one of Shakespeare’s most endearing couples – Beatrice and Benedick – go head to head in Much Ado About Nothing, the Bard’s wittiest comedy.
The war is over and Don Pedro’s soldiers relax at the household of Leonato, preparing for the wedding of Hero and Claudio. But dark storm clouds are gathering and a sinister plot is afoot which will test everyone’s loyalties.
Filled with exuberant comic creations and dramatic developments, Much Ado About Nothing will be staged in a promenade style, taking the audience on a magical journey through Shakespeare’s joyous play.
Venue:
Main Botanic Gardens
- (please note this is a promenade production which will involve moving around the Botanic Gardens)
Preview:
Wed 16th and Thurs 17th July, 7.45 p.m.
(Preview tickets: £10 / £7)
Performances:
Fri 18th July – Sat 2nd August, 7.45 p.m.
(no performances on Mondays or Saturday 26th July)
Tickets:
Sun – Thurs: £13 / £8 (concession)
Fri / Sat: £15 / £9 (concession)
(no performances on Mondays or Saturday 26th July)
Box Office: 0141 330 5522
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B in the Park Summer School: Love’s Labours Lost
Following the huge success of 2007’s Twelfth Night, the young people of the B in the Park Summer School are back with a rare opportunity to see one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays, Love’s Labours Lost.
When the Princess of France and her ladies visit the King of Navarre, they are not prepared for a rather unconventional welcome. For the King and his followers have decreed to study for 3 years and admit no women to their court – leaving the Princess out in the open air! But it isn’t long before the ladies begin to plot their revenge.
Love’s Labours Lost is the culmination of a four-week summer school giving young people from across Glasgow the opportunity to work with a professional director and production team and introducing a new generation to the magic of the Bard’s writing.
Venue:
Main Botanic Gardens
Preview:
There will be no preview performances of this production.
Performances:
Wed 30th July – Sat 2nd August, 7.15 p.m.
Tickets:
£10 / £5 (concession)
Box Office: 0141 330 5522
How to Book Tickets
You can book tickets for Bard in the Botanics in advance from the Gilmorehill G12 box office.
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10am - 3pm |
10am - 3pm (8pm some evenings) |
Mon - Sat |
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On performance nights, a box office will be open in the Botanic Gardens from 6.30 p.m. (please note that we can only accept cash and cheques at our on-site box office) |
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Tickets can be booked:
By phone: ring 0141 330 5522
By e-mail: boxoffice@gilmorehillg12.co.uk
In person: Gilmorehill G12 is at 9 University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ
A further counter facility is available at the Tourist Information Centre, George Square, Glasgow
If you would like more information on any of this year’s shows, please ring our information line on 0141 334 9016
What do I need to bring?
Please note that seating is not provided for any of this year’s performances, although seats may be hired on the night of performance.
Scottish weather can be a bit unpredictable so bring appropriate clothing for an outdoor performance (even the warmest day can cool down as the evening goes on!) and remember that midges can be a real curse of the Scottish summer so why not come prepared!
Two of our outdoor productions this year – The Merchant of Venice and Love’s Labours Lost – take place in a single location in the gardens so why not add to your evening out by bringing along a picnic to enjoy while watching the show?
Although Much Ado About Nothing will be travelling round the gardens, there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and have a picnic for that show too!
Just please remember to dispose of any rubbish safely.
How do I get there?
All this year’s productions take place within the main Botanic Gardens. The Botanic Gardens are situated at the corner of Great Western Road and Queen Margaret Drive, at the top of Byres Road.
Location
Click here for a map of our location on which you will also be able to obtain directions for travelling by car.
The public transport directions below were correct at time of publishing and should be checked before travelling - we wouldn’t want you to be disappointed. There are a number of travel sites that can be used to plan your journey, including Transport Direct (link: opens in new window.).
(Tip: When searching for us on an online map or journey planner, use postcode G12 8DQ)
To get to the gardens –
- · By bus: The numbers 8,18, 20, 66, 89 and 90 all stop near the Botanic Gardens at regular intervals. Please check times with your local transportation offices.
- · By underground : Hillhead Underground is the nearest stop, just a few blocks away on Byres Road
- · By car : There is no parking in the gardens but unrestricted parking is available nearby.
Education
- · Are you interested in drama and theatre?
- · Have you ever fancied performing in the open air?
- · Are you aged between 14 and 21?
- If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then the “B in the Park” summer school is for you.
- Bard in the Botanics 2007
A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Gordon Barr.
**** “a fun, lively and incredibly economical Midsummer Night’s Dream…excellent” The Herald - Othello, directed by Gordon Barr
“an engrossing performance…very much recommended”
The Metro - B in the Park: Twelfth Night, directed by Jennifer Dick and Sarah ChalcroftBard in the Botanics 2006
- The Winter's Tale, directed by Gordon Barr
"as intelligent, thoughtful and heartfelt a version of this great play as any audience could hope to see" Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman - The Comedy of Errors, directed by Gordon Barr
"You would have to search far and wide to find a bolder, brasher, funnier Shakespeare comedy this summer" Mark Brown, Daily Telegraph - David Leddy's Sussurus
"a magical blend of sorrow, anger, compassion, excellent writing and magnificent music" Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman - Bard in the Botanics 2005
- Romeo and Juliet, directed by Gordon Barr
"electrifying and a ferocious command of the text, and a pulsing sense, often completely absent on the British stage, of the link between words and action in Shakespeare's text" Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman - Twelfth Night, directed by Gordon Barr
"a delightful production and has an indefinable something that makes watching it unfold a joyous experience" Ken Speirs, The Mail on Sunday - Lear, adapted from King Lear, directed by Scott Palmer
"It's rare in Scotland to see a production that engages so thoroughly and creatively with the substance of a great Shakespeare text - a 21st century Lear to cherish" Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman - Bard in the Botanics 2004
- A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Gordon Barr
"keeps the audience bubbling with appreciation throughout and boasts performances to die for" Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman - Richard III, directed by Scott Palmer
"they bring the Bard to life, playing with conviction, understanding and increasing skill" Edinburgh Guide - The Taming of the Shrew, directed by Gordon Barr
"full of sharp acting; genuine wit and that sense of joie de vivre that can make outdoor Shakespeare such a memorable experience" Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman - Macbeth, directed by Andrew McKinnon
"genuinely moving and creates much of the freedom that is exciting in outdoor theatre" The Independent - Bard in the Botanics 2003
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Gordon Barr
Measure for Measure, directed by Kate Varney
Henry, based on Henry V, directed by Scott Palmer
Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Kate Varney
Antony and Cleopatra, directed by Scott Palmer - Other productions include: The Tempest, As You Like It, Shakespeare’s R & J, Infinite Variety: Shakespeare’s Women, Kabuki-Titus and many more
“B in the Park" Summer School
In every year since the huge success of the first “B in the Park” production, Twelfth Night, Bard in the Botanics has offered young people the chance to be part of this exciting project.
“B in the Park” is an intensive 4-week summer school for young people between the ages of 14 and 21, leading to a full-scale outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost, as part of the Bard in the Botanics Festival 2008.
The summer school will be led by experienced Shakespeare actors and directors and will allow young performers to explore all aspects of putting on a play, as well as including professional workshops on aspects of performance including Voice, Text and Movement. The young actors will work with the professional production team to create a fast paced, exciting production aimed at an audience of their own age.
When is it?
Auditions: 10th & 11th May (Glasgow Botanic Gardens)
Full time course: 7th July – 2nd August (Performances run 30th July – 2nd August)
Where is it?
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
What does it cost?
£250 per person
How do I get involved?
If you would like to apply for an audition, just ring 0141 334 9016 or e-mail education@bardinthebotanics.org
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