Clowns Reading Shakespeare performances planned for Kew Gardens park this week

By COLE HESSION

Panoply Theatre Collective is bringing a special event to the Beach this week with outdoor performances of Clowns Reading Shakespeare at Kew Gardens park.

As the name suggests, the performance features clowns who will read lines from Shakespeare plays in a lighthearted and comical way. The first performance is slated for the evening of Wednesday, June 25, at Kew Gardens, 2075 Queen St. E. in the Beach.

The plays the clown performers will be reciting from (to the best of their ability) are Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet. The performers will be exploring the themes of these plays and presenting them in a way that audiences can laugh along to.

The performance is 60 minutes long and suitable for all ages.

“Panoply is thrilled to bring this family-friendly production to wider audiences this summer, thanks to the support of Animating Toronto Parks,” said Panoply Co-Artistic Director Paige Madsen in a recent news release.

“We can’t wait to share this hilarious show with you all!”

The Kew Gardens performances will take place on June 25, 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. On Saturday, June 28, there will be performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The final performance at Kew Gardens will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 29.

Those attending are reminded to bring their own seats, blankets and cushions.

There is no admission charge to attend the performances, but donations will be accepted.

Opening night celebrations on June 25 at Kew Gardens will feature have a raffle with prizes donated by Canadian Stage, Mixtape Productions, Henna Planet and Book City.

Clowns Reading Shakespeare is produced with the support of the City of Toronto through the Animating Toronto Parks program and Arts in the Park program. Funding is made possible by the Toronto Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Foundation.

The performances are supported by Centre 55, Bard in the Park and Ovation! Performing Arts Academy.

For more information, please go to https://panoplycollective.com/clowns-reading-shakespeare