A New Chapter for 2026
For over two decades, Shakespeare Under the Stars has been a cherished tradition in our community—an unforgettable way to experience the Bard against the backdrop of the Granite Belt night sky. From our very first A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bungawarra Winery in 2004 to the outdoor performances behind the theatre in recent years, audiences have shared magical evenings filled with storytelling, local wine, and the shimmering Milky Way above.
In 2026, we begin an exciting new era.
While we honour our long history of outdoor performances, all Shakespeare productions will now be presented inside the theatre. This change allows us to expand our technical capabilities, create more immersive staging, and ensure a comfortable, weatherproof experience for both audiences and performers—while keeping the heart and spirit of Shakespeare alive.
Our 2026 production will be The Tempest—Shakespeare’s final (and possibly most controversial) play. Join our newsletter or follow us on Facebook to stay updated as casting, rehearsal insights, and performance dates are announced.
Why Are We Moving Indoors?
Although outdoor performances have been a beautiful nod to the open-roofed Globe Theatre tradition, shifting indoors opens the door to new creative possibilities.
By performing inside our dedicated venue, we can:
- Make full use of lighting, sound, and set design
- Offer a more intimate and accessible theatre experience
- Avoid weather disruptions
- Create atmosphere and storytelling moments impossible outdoors
It’s a new environment—but the same passion, artistry, and connection with our audience remain at the core.
A Look Back: Shakespeare Under the Stars
For just over 20 years, Shakespeare Under the Stars delighted audiences across the Granite Belt.
Highlights include:
- 2004: First performance – A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bungawarra Winery
- A mix of comedies, tragedies, and romances performed at wineries and scenic venues across the district
- 2023–2025: Performances hosted behind the theatre on our open-air stage
This tradition has shaped who we are—and it will continue to influence our Shakespeare season, even as we embrace our new indoor setting.
Food & Drink
Local wineries and distilleries will continue to be part of the Shakespeare experience, offering their products inside our theatre foyer.
Pre-ordered picnic platters from Stanthorpe Cheeses will still be available through the TryBooking link.
Make a Weekend of It
The Granite Belt is the perfect destination for a Shakespeare weekend. Explore local wineries, national parks, and seasonal produce. For accommodation ideas, visit the Southern Downs and Granite Belt tourism website.
Frequently Asked Questions – Shakespeare 2026
What is the experience like for an indoor Shakespeare performance?
In this live production of a Shakespearean play, anything can happen. Our indoor venue allows for a more immersive atmosphere, enhanced lighting and sound, and intimate storytelling that brings the text to life. You’ll enjoy the same creativity and connection that defined our “Under the Stars” tradition—now supported by professional theatre conditions.
Do I need to worry about weather conditions?
No. All 2026 Shakespeare performances will take place inside Stanthorpe Little Theatre, meaning the show is fully weather-proof. You won’t need blankets, jackets, or wet-weather contingencies—just sit back and enjoy the performance in climate-controlled comfort.
What happens if it rains?
Nothing changes!
Unlike previous years, we will not relocate or reschedule performances due to weather. Indoor staging ensures the show will proceed as planned.
Can I bring drinks into the theatre?
Unfortunately, no. Our licensing laws prevent outside alcohol from being brought into the venue.
However, our bar will offer a range of beverages including:
- Local wines and beers
- Spirits and cocktails (depending on licensing)
- Soft drinks, tea, and coffee
Water bottles are permitted.
Can we bring our own food?
You’re welcome to bring small snacks, but we encourage guests to enjoy the food available at the theatre.
Our bar will offer a selection of snacks from 6:30pm through to the end of interval.
Pre-ordered picnic platters from Stanthorpe Cheeses can be purchased through the TryBooking link.
Is the theatre accessible?
Yes. The theatre includes accessible seating and amenities. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us prior to the performance so we can assist.
Shakespeare Under the Stars – 2024 Production
In 2024, we presented Twelfth Night—but with a bold and modern twist.
As part of the final years of our long-running “Shakespeare Under the Stars” tradition, this production re-energised the concept by embracing the play’s roots in bawdy humour, physical comedy, live music, and spirited dance.
Set in a contemporary world while retaining the beauty of Shakespeare’s original language, Twelfth Night opened with a spectacular, high-energy sequence featuring dynamic lighting, powerful soundscapes, and an electrifying hip hop crew. From there, audiences were treated to heartfelt performances, playful storytelling, and musical moments that made the night unforgettable.
We were proud to bring together a blend of seasoned performers and talented newcomers for this vibrant retelling. Twelfth Night explores love, confusion, identity, and discovery – portraying gender and sexuality as fluid, ambiguous, and ever-shifting. At its heart, it asks the timeless question: “What is love?”
This production stands as a highlight in the history of Shakespeare Under the Stars, celebrating the creativity, community spirit, and theatrical innovation that have defined the tradition for over 20 years.
Tickets will be heavily booked all evenings, so pre booking is the best option. Tickets available from:
through our Trybooking ticketing site.
Check our facebook page for updates.
Prepay for our picnic platters, Conrads premixes and bottles of local wine and pick these up from the foyer between 6.15 and 6.45 of the evening of the performance. Please note that platters and bottles of wine are only available for pre-purchase. Glasses of a limited range will be available on the night.
