East London Shakespeare Festival's TWELFTH NIGHT comes to outdoor spaces this summer

Welcome to 1980s Illyria! East London Shakespeare Festival (ELSF) are bringing their rip-roaring take on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night to outdoor spaces this summer, touring East London parks from 16 June-7 August.

Combining the wonderful storytelling of the Bard with a flavour of East London culture, this new production brings pure, unadulterated escapism with live 80s classics in picturesque outdoor settings.

Transforming areas across Hackney, Waltham Forest and Redbridge into the world of Illyria, including the sensational Fellowship Square in Walthamstow, this production will give local residents a memorable and unique experience of Shakespeare’s much-loved classic tale. Come along to seek out a good time or to celebrate identity and self-discovery. A festival vibe is encouraged with gates opening an hour before the show, pre-show workshops including party headband-making and the opportunity to picnic on site.

Producer and co-director of ELSF, Ursula Early, said: “I want to make fun, joyful work which is relevant and exciting to local East London Communities – my community – I was born in Hackney and have lived in Waltham Forest for 10 years. And to me Twelfth Night – and certainly the version we’re making – feels like the perfect show to headline our 2022 Festival. It feels reflective of the cultural vibe in East London and how it felt to ‘come-of-age’/grow-up here; it’s a wild-ride of exploration, partying, music, self-discovery, heartbreak, yearning and confusion – it just resonates with me, as it hopefully also will to the diverse London audiences we are making the show for.”

The show is directed by Scott Le Crass, with community ensemble direction by Rosie Ward, movement direction by Julia Cave and design by George Alexander. Original music is composed by Amir Schoenfeld, along with some 80s classics to get audiences dancing.

Tickets are available now here.