The Popular Mechanicals

A lewd, rude and ingenious revival of a classic Australian comedy that puts Shakespeare’s greatest clowns in the spotlight.

6 Apr - 13 May 2017

Wharf 2 Theatre

The Play

Sydney Theatre Company presents
A State Theatre Company South Australia production

THE POPULAR MECHANICALS

By Keith Robinson, William Shakespeare and Tony Taylor
Original direction by Geoffrey Rush

A funny thing happened on the way to the theatre

The popular mechanicals are Shakespeare’s greatest clowns – the endearingly amateur acting ensemble led by Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Here, they take centre-stage in a wild imagining of what goes on in the wings.

The troupe is bumbling its way through rehearsals of Pyramus and Thisbe, somehow surviving the misadventures brought on by their own sheer idiocy. The result is a riotously funny mix of Shakespearean verse, songs and dance that is lewd, rude and ingenious. Clowning, vaudeville, slapstick, farce, stand-up comedy and some hilarious puppetry come together to create an unhinged feast of wit and profanity.

First directed by Geoffrey Rush in 1987, The Popular Mechanicals holds a special place in the Australian comedic canon. This revival from State Theatre Company of South Australia, directed by former STC Resident Director Sarah Giles, includes the very fine comic talents of Julie Forsyth (Romeo & Juliet) and Amber McMahon (School Dance). This is a show that will lift the roof in the silliest ways imaginable.

“There are Bottom jokes, poo jokes, giggles and japes. The Popular Mechanicals captures the bawdy spirits of the Elizabethan entertainments.”
The Australian

Duration 1hr 35mins (no interval)
Content warning Sexual references

Recommended for ages 13 and up

#STCMECHANICALS

Pricing information

Season Ticket prices
Pick 6 or more plays to create your Season Ticket package. More info.

Saturday evening A Reserve $44
Adult A Reserve $44
Concession $44
Seniors cardholder $44
Preview $39
Under 30 $39

Single Tickets
Saturday evening $55
Adult $55
Seniors cardholder $55
Concession $55
Preview $49
Under 30 $49
Groups (10+ people) $46

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings: no feesSeason Ticket bookings (packs of 6 or more plays): no fees
Single ticket bookings: $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Dates

Previews 6 Apr – 7 Apr 2017
Season 10 Apr – 13 May 2017

Performance start times
Preview performances 7.30pm
In-season performances Mon – Sat 7.30pm; 
Wed 1.15pm; Sat 2.15pm
Schools Days Tue 2 May – Thu 4 May 11.30am; Tue 9 May – Thu 11 May 11.30am

Pricing and ticket information

2017 Season Tickets (packs of 6 - 14 plays) on sale now
A Season Ticket saves at least 20% on full price single tickets and you get many other benefits. More info.

Season ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $44
Adult A Reserve $44
Concession $44
Seniors cardholder $44
Preview $39
Under 30 $39

Single tickets
Saturday evening $55
Adult $55
Seniors cardholder $55
Concession $55
Preview $49
Under 30 $49
Groups (10+ people), excluding Saturday evening $46

Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.

Concession, seniors and under 30 tickets
Suitable and valid identification must be provided for collection of tickets and at the venue, such as your concession or proof of age card. Alternatively, you may email a copy of your identification to [email protected]. Please quote your booking reference number.

Access requirements
For specific access requirements, please call Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book your seats.

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings (packs of 6 or more plays): no fees
Single ticket bookings:  $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Schools Days

Tue 2 May 11.30am
Wed 3 May 11.30am
Thu 4 May 11.30am
Tue 9 May 11.30am
Wed 10 May 11.30am
Thu 11 May 11.30am

Director Sarah Giles
Designer Jonathon Oxlade
Lighting Designer Mark Pennington
Sound Designer, Composer and Musical Director David Heinrich
Choreographer Gabrielle Nankivell

With
Lori Bell, Julie Forsyth, Charles Mayer, Amber McMahon, Tim Overton, Rory Walker

Photo Kris Washusen

This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information about each play by opting in to our enewsletter.

'The sole purpose of The Popular Mechanicals is to make you laugh – and it succeeds.' Time Out Sydney

‘A kind of deliriously energetic homage to vaudeville, clowning, bad puns and sight-gags.’ Australian Stage 

‘Whether you’re a Shakespeare buff or just love a good laugh at some extremely enthusiastic stage comedy that executes finely-tuned slapstick and wordplay in equal measure, The Popular Mechanicals is not to be missed.’ Australian Stage

‘Double thumbs up.’ Sydney Morning Herald

‘Joyous balderdash of the best kind.’ Stage Noise

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