Bar’d Work: Shakesbeer at your local pub

By RAQUEL BLANKEVOORT

Theatre goers and pub enthusiasts have a new reason to come together and celebrate a fun night out while enjoying some classic theatre, with the revival of Bar’d Work’s innovative take on Shakespeare’s most famous productions coming to a pub near you. After their sold-out season last year, they are back by popular demand, delivering the iconic tragicomedy Much Ado About Nothing to local pubs for this year’s Shakesbeer Sessions. 

Following the hilarious characters, Beatrice and Benedick, who attempt to save a wedding under threat by the villainous Don John,  Much Ado leaps from page to stage in modern storytelling fashion. Share pints and laughs in this easy-to-digest 90-minute session. 

Shakespeare’s plays were written to be performed in the confines of a lively pub in all its raucous glory involving even the most disorderly audience members. Bar’d Work have gone back to Shakespearean roots, adding a twist of modernity in the form of singalongs, interactive dancing and unpredictable, unscripted comedy, leaving its audience members in stitches after every performance. 

Aussie founders, James Haxby and Chris Huntly-Turner, came up with the idea back in 2019 in a London pub, where they were brainstorming ideas on how to keep Shakespeare relevant and entertaining for a modern audience. Since then, they have flipped the bar experience from listening to live music to sharing a drink with your friends while enjoying a night of fast and funny storytelling. 

“The Bar’d is back, taking Sydney pubs by storm. Performing Shakespeare the way the Bard himself intended – in packed out pubs, for the people,” said director and creator Chris Huntly-Turner.

Bar’d Work has become a trendsetter in its field, setting the standard for new and interesting entertainment. The NSW Vibrancy Reforms, introduced last year, allow 2 hours of extended trading for any 45-minute live performance hosted at a club, pub or live venue. With these reforms continuing to revive nightlife and local live entertainment, there’s a loud call for innovative new work.   

The Shakesbeer Sessions will be hosted by some of Sydney’s favourite pubs, including Public House Petersham, Camperdown Hotel, Highfields (Caringbah), OTiS Bar (Leichhardt), The Oaks (Neutral Bay), The Shakespeare Hotel (Surry Hills), DiCK’s Hotel (Balmain), Staves Brewery (Chippendale), and at The Harold (Forest Lodge). 

With the promise of a heckler or two and a beer shared from actor to audience member before, during and after the performance, this is a great night out with your favourite rabble. 

Until April 28

bardwork.com