I do love Shakespeare in he park in the summertime. It's one of those quintessential cultural Toronto events, that's not to miss - everyone needs to go at least once. We need to have more of these things in the city, that's for sure.
Some tips when you do go:
- doors open at 6pm. Get there a little before 6pm (5:30-5:50pm) to nab a spot in line. A lot of folks don't seem to grasp this, and majority of folks show up after 6pm.
- they will come and open that gate to let you in, and pay your donation
- about 20% of the seats filled up by 6pm
- about 80% of the seats filled up by 6:30pm
- small groups may be able to fit in later
- at the back you can bring chairs to sit on rather than the cold hard concrete
- you can also pre book seats for $25 which will be reserved for you and you don't have to show up until showtime, but they are in the front two rows and I actually prefer sitting higher up
Bring with you:
- picnic lunch or take out for dinner as you wait for 2 hours
- good company or a good book
- alcohol - i thought this wasn't allowed, but I saw folks with bottles out in the open and staff turning a possible blind eye
- yoga mat to sit on
- warm blanket and sweater - once the sun goes down it gets chilly
They are really strict about cell phone use during the performance. To take photos, video or even check email. We actually pulled up the final soliloquy on the iphone and deliberately make it black background, so that we can follow along, but was told to put it away. Really? only 2 mins left to the play.
Love coming here in the summer and look forward to it!