Shoreside Theatre’s annual Auckland Shakespeare in the Park returns this summer for its milestone 30th anniversary season. The 2026 programme features two of the Bard’s most beloved plays – Romeo & Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing, performed in the stunning outdoor setting of The PumpHouse Amphitheatre, Takapuna, from 16 January to 14 February.
For three decades, Shakespeare in the Park has been a highlight of Auckland’s summer arts calendar – a place where families, friends and theatre-lovers gather under the stars to experience the timeless stories, poetic language, and vivid characters of William Shakespeare.
Since its debut in 1997, the company has staged 50 productions, performing 29 of Shakespeare’s plays, and estimates that over 44,500 people, both audiences and participants, have shared in the experience. Community-driven and proudly accessible, Shakespeare in the Park continues to offer free tickets for children under 12 with a paying adult, nurturing the next generation of theatre-goers. Also on offer are two Pay What You Can performances to remove cost barriers, and two matinee performances in the indoor PumpHouse Theatre for those who prefer the more comfortable seating.
“This season marks a significant milestone for Shoreside Theatre,” says Shoreside Theatre Committee Member James Bell. “For 30 years we’ve built a community that celebrates creativity, diversity and belonging – a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can find their people, on stage and off.”
In a world divided by pride and silence, two young lovers dare to defy their families and find light in the darkness. Romeo & Juliet, directed by Steph Curtis, offers a traditional staging of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, one that examines the failures of family, friendship, and authority that lead to heartbreak.
“The heart of this production is the idea that the real tragedy doesn’t rest with Romeo and Juliet, but with the broken support systems around them – the families, friends and society that fail to protect the “star-crossed lovers”.” says Curtis.
Richly atmospheric and emotionally charged, this production invites audiences to rediscover the timeless story of love and loss beneath the summer sky.
Bursting with energy, wit, and live original music, Much Ado About Nothing directed by Michelle Atkinson takes on a bold new life in a punk community setting, with the action unfolding around a buzzing music venue. Fresh from working a festival, head of crew, Benedick runs into venue co-owner Beatrice where the battle of wits begins.
“We’ve built a world brimming with energy and personality,” says Atkinson. “It’s about mixing ages, talents and ideas to bring the text alive in new ways while staying true to its heart.”
For Atkinson, this production is especially meaningful – she grew up watching Shakespeare in the Park and now returns to direct in its 30th year.
With its enduring spirit, Auckland Shakespeare in the Park remains a cornerstone of Auckland’s cultural landscape, a living celebration of Shakespeare’s timeless power and the people who bring it to life.
For those who have been involved over the past three decades of Auckland Shakespeare in the Park, Shoreside Theatre invites you to get in touch and share your memories at shoresidetheatre.com/30years
As the sun dips behind Lake Pupuke and the stage lights rise, audiences are invited to celebrate 30 years of Auckland’s only outdoor Shakespeare experience.
Shoreside Theatre Presents
AUCKLAND SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK 2026
16 January – 14 February, 7.30PM
The PumpHouse Theatre’s Outdoor Amphitheatre
Romeo & Juliet
Directed by Steph Curtis
Pay What You Can: 3 February
Indoor Matinee: 8 February, 2PM
Much Ado About Nothing
Directed by Michelle Atkinson
Pay What You Can: 27 January
Indoor Matinee: 1 February, 2PM
Tickets $27 – $30
Children under 12 free (accompanied by a paying adult, up to 3 free per booking)
Bookings via The Pumphouse Theatre
