Twelfth Night: Shakespeare Under the Stars

Presented by Whale Chorus

"If music be the food of love, play on."

Shakespeare Under the Stars is back this summer—this time with a brand new production of the beloved comedy Twelfth Night, at Newcastle's Pacific Park.

As twins are separated in a shipwreck and forced to fend for themselves in a strange land, mistaken identity, love triangles and role reversals abound. The end of the year is a time for merriment—to kick off your thongs and crack open a cold one… but how much fun is too much fun? As the season gets sillier and the nights get longer, who’s getting pashed and who’s getting played the fool?

Performed by Whale Chorus’ talented ensemble of local actors, this all-ages event is the shimmering highlight of Newcastle’s summer arts calendar. So gather your loved ones, pack a picnic, and prepare for an unforgettable night of open air theatre right in the heart of the harbour city.

“The demonstrated engagement of the many young people in the audience…attested to the quality of the production and the fact that it has managed to hit the mark … It was a sold-out crowd too and there were people lining up who hadn’t booked and were hoping to be let in” – Michelle Gosper, Sydney Arts Guide

Running time 2 hours and 20 mins including interval. Running times are approximate and subject to change without notice. 

Twelfth Night: FAQs

Is seating allocated?
Seating is not provided and audience members are invited to bring their own chair or picnic rug as desired. All tickets sold are general admission. You can purchase a ticket in the seated section (bring your own picnic chair) or the ground section (bring your own picnic rug).

Chairs can be provided on request in the accessible seating area.

Is the event accessible?
Pacific Park is accessible to audience members in wheelchairs or with low mobility. Additionally, chairs can be provided on request for audience members who need to be seated to attend the performance. Please book in the Accessible area and note your need for a chair.

An accessible toilet will be located near the performance venue (site A: see map below).

Headphones can be supplied to any hearing-impaired audience members.

What time should I arrive at Pacific Park?
The venue is open 30 minutes prior to the performance commencing.

What happens on the day in the event of bad weather?
Please note this is an outdoor event and will go ahead in the event of light rain. Please bring appropriate weather gear for sunny conditions or light rain.

In the event of extreme weather conditions the performance will be rescheduled. The ticket purchaser will be notified 2 hours prior to the performance time in the event of a wet weather reschedule.  

We will also advise any changes to the performance due to bad weather through social media

What do I need to bring?
If you have purchased a ticket in a seated area, you will need to bring your own chair.

If you have purchased a ticket on the ground, you may bring whatever you need to feel comfortable on the ground. Please note chairs are not permitted in the ground area as this will obstruct the view of other audience members.

You are welcome to bring a picnic to the performance.

If required, please bring appropriate weather gear for sunny conditions or light rain.

Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted at the performance. However service animals are always welcome.

Where do I park?
As this performance is taking place in the Newcastle CBD, there is limited parking available close to the venue. For additional parking options, you can park at the LOT 21 Honeysuckle Drive outdoor parking near Newcastle Interchange and catch the light rail to the Newcastle Beach stop and walk 100m directly to the venue.

You can find accessible parking with the City of Newcastle's accessible parking map.

Are there public toilet facilities at Pacific Park?
No. On the map below, the nearest public toilet facilities to Pacific Park (A) are located at Newcastle Beach (B) and Newcastle Foreshore Park (C). Note, an accessible portable toilet will be on site during the performances for emergency use.