Members of Remarkable Theatre, the amateur dramatic society formerly known as Queenstown Shakespeare, are rehearsing for Shakespeare on Location.
All the garden's a stage on January 15 and 16 when about 10 of the best-known and beloved scenes, songs and sonnets from the playwright's catalogue are brought to life.
They include the French language scene from Henry V, the overhearing scene from Much Ado About Nothing, Ophelia's mad scene from Hamlet, Puck and the fairy's exchange from A Midsummer Night's Dream and Juliet's speech while waiting for Romeo in Romeo and Juliet.
The hour-long show is directed by semi-professional theatre veteran Kate Blackhurst, who has returned from working in amateur theatre in Wellington.
Remarkable Theatre president and actress Jo Blick said the thespians would deliver "modern twists and comedic takes" on the works by Stratford-upon-Avon's favourite son.
Few dramatists had such a wide range of plays suitable for outdoor performances, she said.
"It's promenade theatre, which I don't think has been done here before. The actors are stationed around the gardens and the audience walks from scene to scene."
Shakespeare on Location, Friday, January 15, 6pm to 8pm inclusive, Saturday, January 16, 2pm to 8pm inclusive.
Guided tours leave from the main gates of the Queenstown Gardens, on Park St, every hour on the hour.
Patrons are advised to arrive five minutes early.
Admissio is by gold coin donation and no booking is required.
Rain will cancel the event.
