Scale model of the Pop-Up Globe Theatre, to be erected in Auckland next year.
Scale model of the Pop-Up Globe Theatre, to be erected in Auckland next year.
Ticket sales for productions at the Shakespearean Pop-Up Globe theatre in Auckland next year are so strong promoters have had to add a third play to the bill.
A full-scale temporary replica of the 1614 Shakesperean Globe theatre, seating up to 900 people in a circular structure, is being built in Auckland as an exact copy of the original theatre in Britain.
Already, 15,000 tickets to Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night have been snapped up and promoters today confirmed a third show, The Tempest, to the bill.
Pop-Up Globe artistic director Miles Gregory said tickets for The Tempest went on sale this morning and already "dozens" had been sold.
Pop-Up Globe artistic director Miles Gregory says he is overwhelmed and delighted at the popularity of the Pop-Up Globe.
Gregory would not confirm whether more shows would be added to the Pop-Up Globe's run, but hinted this was "just the beginning" for the project.
"We have some very exciting announcements to make over the coming weeks," he said, but would not be drawn further.
Internationally acclaimed actress Lisa Harrow, who this year was on the honours list to become an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the dramatic arts, will play Prospero, the lead role in The Tempest.
Gregory said he was delighted by the number of tickets sold so far.
"We are really quite overwhelmed by the response we've had. It seems the pop-up Globe has really captured the public's imagination."
Gregory, formerly a regional producer for Globe London, said he thought people were drawn to the unique nature of the project.
Scale model of the Pop-Up Globe Theatre, to be erected in Auckland next year.
"Seeing something new pop up in this way ... something so large and unique as the pop-up Globe is very exciting [for people]. I think it's exciting to be able to time travel in a way and experience what people experienced 400 years ago.
"The reason why [Shakespeare] is so famous is a combination of his plays, performed in that space, and I think to be able to go and see that happen again offers us a way to connect with that genius."
Gregory was particularly excited that the project would give young New Zealanders the chance to enjoy Shakespeare in such a unique way.
More than 140 schools "from Whangarei to Christchurch" had booked tickets to see performances at the Globe, he said.
"We are really thrilled that so many young people will be coming to see these shows. I think more than 12,000 school children will be coming."
He was heartened to see so many New Zealanders had an enthusiasm for the works of Shakespeare.
Gregory and mayor Len Brown jointly announced the scheme for the three-level Globe in a council-owned carpark, now re-named Bard's Yard, behind the Q Theatre at 38 Greys Avenue.
In April, Gregory said he planned to bring the Globe here and that it would cost about $450,000 to build, which has been privately funded.
