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For centuries, Shakespeare has escaped the theatre building. His plays have been performed in gardens, courtyards, parks, ruins, forests and public squares; wherever people could gather and imagine together. From the open-air yard of the Globe Theatre to the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival, there is a long and joyful tradition of encountering Shakespeare beneath the evening sky.
Last Thursday evening, Wellington College was set to continue that tradition with Shakespeare in the Garden. Unfortunately, there is an equally long and distinguished English tradition of planning outdoor events and then looking nervously at the weather forecast. Persistent rain meant the performance moved from the Master’s Garden to the Christopher Lee Theatre, but the change of venue did little to diminish the atmosphere or enjoyment of the occasion.
Featuring performances from students across the College, from Third Form to Lower Sixth, the evening showcased a rich selection of scenes and speeches spanning Shakespeare’s comedies, romances, histories and tragedies. Audiences were treated to memorable performances from beloved characters including Rosalind, Juliet, Lady Macbeth, Iago and Helena, while thoughtful introductions helped guide viewers through themes of comedy, love, ambition and mortality.
A particular highlight was the confidence and skill displayed by the performers, many of whom brought remarkable maturity and emotional depth to Shakespeare’s language. The programme was expertly curated by Speech and Drama teacher Claire Huckle, whose guidance and dedication helped create an engaging and varied celebration of the Bard’s work.
Opening with a violin performance from Grace H and concluding with powerful reflections on life’s enduring themes, the evening demonstrated the breadth of talent within Wellington’s drama community. While the garden may have been lost to the elements, the magic of Shakespeare remained firmly intact.
