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Bard in the Yard - King Leonardo

by Bard in the Yard

theatre, comedy

A solo show about Shakespeare trying to write King Lear in plague quarantine - hilarious, interactive, and fitted to the times!

about the production

In the hope of reigniting the stagnant Bard blockbuster-machine, Will Shakespeare undertakes to directly engage with you, the audience. His purpose: to understand the success of his previous box-office hits, and remind himself of the ingredients for a truly great play. The unique concept of this “entertainingly well-handled play delivered to perfection” (The Telegraph) will have you going on an "irresistible" (The Guardian) roller-coaster journey with the Bard himself, and transport you back in time. Come join us for this “funny and moving, not to mention immersive” (The Independent) experience!

about the artist

Bard in the Yard was created by Will & Co in response to the Covid pandemic in Spring 2020. Last summer, our Bards performed private garden shows where they were welcomed into birthdays, wedding anniversaries and garden parties, as well as in care homes and beer gardens, schools, patios and BBQ terraces. We've played at Southwark Cathedral, as well as ground-breaking festivals The New Normal and Turbine on the Jetty and are proud to continue this "grassroots revolution" (The Telegraph) in 2021 by bringing the Bard to all the UK.

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stage dimensions

width: 3 metres

height: 0 metres

depth: 3 metres

This show was devised to be performed outdoors, but works just as well indoors.
We tend to prefer a thrust or in-the-round stage, as the Bard needs to communicate with their audience regularly.
For an audience of more than 40 socially-distanced, we would require the venue to provide a clip-on microphone.

People interested in Shakespeare, or teenagers who have to study it as it is a great entry-point into his works.
We recommend it for 10 +. We did have some lovely feedback from children 6+ as well, however we recommend 10+ for better comprehension.

"Coming to a lawn or patio near you, the new national theatre”

The Telegraph

“This interactive solo is irresistible, everyone watching is in hysterics”

The Guardian

“Funny and moving, not to mention immersive”

The Independent

Actor Q&A at the end of show, workshops for schools (prices to be discussed).

350 GBP / performance, or a 70/30 split in our favour with the first 75 GBP going to the actor.

This solo show is performed by the local actor closest to the booking. We have actors all over the country ready with the show. Rehearsals all took place over Zoom.