EVENT INFORMATION

 

Where is the audience seated?

The performers will be on a raised stage with the audience seated, picnic-style, on the Performance Lawn. There are two designated areas for the audience to watch the show, delineated by a rope border.

1. Front Picnic Area – pack your picnic & your picnic blanket and grab a space up the front, closest to the stage in the roped off Picnic Area. (Low to the Ground chairs are also permissible, provided they do not block the view from patrons seated on the grass behind you.)

2. Seated Area – bring along your own comfy outdoor or camping chair and enjoy the show. If you don’t have one of your own, we will have a limited number of chairs that you can hire from Front of House for only $2.

Please Note that NO SPACE CAN BE RESERVED, and it is a case of “first in – best dressed” for position on the Performance Lawn. There is also no advance booking to hire chairs.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Image of Stage and Seating Area from 2024 - indiciative of current years

​

What if I need assistance at the venue?
Any patrons who need assistance or have mobility issues, please make yourself known to the Front of House as soon as possible and our super helpful Front of House staff will assist you.

 

Can I buy a Picnic Package?

We are still in talks with caterers for this years event and will let you know as soon as we do.

 

Can I bring my own picnic?

Of course! We encourage you to bring along the picnic of your dreams to enjoy during the show. If you and your group would prefer to wait until interval to eat your picnic, that is entirely up to you! However, please be aware that local laws prohibit any BYO alcohol within the Gardens.  There will be an on-site bar fully stocked with beer, wine, etc.   We also encourage patrons to bring along their own keep-cup for refill at the bar to help us reduce our use of plastic waste.  You can also purchase a TheatreiNQ keep-cup of your own at the bar.

 

Should we bring pillows or blankets?

Depending on the weather and your comfort, you may wish to bring cushions or blankets.  Get comfortable, settle in and enjoy the show!

 

What else should I bring?

Being an outdoor event in North Queensland, we recommend bringing mosquito repellent. While it is hard to predict the weather, it can become quite cool in the evening outdoors in September, so perhaps bring along a coat or a blanket.

 

Can I film or photograph the event?

No. The use of all recording equipment (visual and audio) is strictly forbidden as is taking any photos during the show - with or without a flash.  

 

Are there toilets on-site?

There are no toilet blocks inside Queens Gardens but we provide and maintain portable toilets including one accessible toilet. These toilets are unisex.

​

What about the wildlife?

We are often visited by a variety of wildlife that call Queens Gardens home. We do not take responsibility for any damage caused by wildlife. Nor do we charge extra LOL!

​

​

​​TIMES

​

What time does the performance start?

The event begins at 6:30pm but we encourage the audience to arrive earlier so that everyone can be seated in time for an ‘on time’ start. Remember, it’s first-in / best dressed.  The Company warm up on the lawn from 5pm - 5.45pm and our front of house staff will start seating shortly after that.  The Bar is open from 6pm.  

 

How long does the performance go for?

Performances tend to finish around 9.30pm.  (Slight time differences occur with each performance)

 

Will there still be an interval?

Yes. Interval will begin at approximately 8pm and runs for 20min. (Slight time differences occur each performance.)

 

 

PARKING / PERFORMANCE ENTRANCE

 

Where do I park?

There is on street parking along Gregory Street and Paxton Street & other surrounding areas.

Please note: TheatreiNQ takes no responsibility for the security of your vehicle.

 

Which gate at Queens Gardens do I enter for the performance?

Patrons are invited to use either the Upper Gregory Street entrance or the Paxton Street Entrance.  All other gates will be locked so these will also be the only gates open at the conclusion of the performance, so make sure you park nearest those gates.

 

WHAT CAN I BRING AND WHAT IS FOR SALE?

 

Is there food and drink for sale?

Yes. This year, there will be a fully licensed bar on site (including EFTPOS facilities) offering beer, wine, cider, soft drink, water, lollies, packets of chips and chocolates. A limited number of hot pies are also available at interval. BYO alcohol is NOT allowed in the Gardens.

 

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. Patrons can bring their own food and drinks (excluding alcohol).  

 

Can I bring my own alcohol?

No. Local Laws state that no alcohol is to be brought into public parks for consumption there. As an approved event in the park after hours, we are licensed to sell alcohol for consumption within the fenced area at our event, and sold by trained staff. This must be strictly adhered to. Any alcohol brought in will be confiscated until you leave the Gardens.

 

Can I buy a programme?

Yes. Programmes will be able to be purchased on site – including a super helpful synopsis. 

​​​​

​

TICKETS / EXCHANGES / RAIN POLICY

​

Can I exchange my tickets for another performance during the season?

Yes. However, you must arrange for the exchange prior to the scheduled performance date purchased and this will be subject to availability. If you fail to attend the performance as booked without prior contact, we cannot reimburse or reissue your ticket for an alternative date.

 

What happens if it rains?

If a performance is cancelled in advance due to rain, we will attempt to notify and reissue all tickets for another performance during the season - subject to availability. If this is not possible we will arrange a full refund or credit.  If the show is interrupted and officially cancelled due to weather or circumstances beyond our control, we will attempt to reissue tickets for another performance during the season. If this is not possible due to availability, we will arrange a credit note with TheatreiNQ valid for 12 months.

 

What if I am feeling unwell – should I still come to the performance?

If you need to cancel your attendance due to illness, and you can’t think of anyone to gift your ticket to, please let us know by midday of the day of the scheduled performance. We will be keeping a waiting list and we will attempt to on-sell your ticket for you.

 

If you have further inquiries or concerns, please feel free to email us at theatreinq@gmail.com.We hope you have a magical evening at Shakespeare Under the Stars.  Remember, our Front of House Staff are amazing and are there to help us all have a magical evening at Shakespeare Under the Stars.