Close

Notable and Quotable

ShakespeareFest brings out the best

With ShakespeareFest , the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre has partnered with 28 local companies to honour and celebrate the work of poet, playwright and actor William Shakespeare. We’re turning to the Bard’s words for inspiration for enjoying the festival and the festive experience – right here in the Exchange.

“A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!” (Richard III Act 5, Scene 4)

The Great West Saddlery Warehouse rose on the corner of Market Avenue and Bertha Street in 1898. It soon became the world’s largest manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of harnesses and saddles.

Today, it’s home to Saddlery on Market at 114 Market Avenue, where they’re serving up flatbreads, burgers, bison nachos, charcuterie and family-style platters of steak, chicken, barbecue ribs and all the sides. 

The Saddlery is hosting Shakespeare’s Villains by KRAKT Theatre, described as a darkly hilarious contemporary analysis of the character and qualities of villainy through Shakespeare’s words and the villains who spoke them.

We can’t let this quote pass without a nod to our most-famous filly, “Peggy” – the sculpture by Joseph Fafard outside Mayberry Fine Art.
Photo by @peggrammer

Dates and tickets 

“It provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance.” (Macbeth Act 2, Scene 3)

So wrote Shakespeare about drinking, but you can have a drink, and enjoy a performance at Little Brown Jug at 336 William Avenue, a venue for Opera by the Pint by Flipside Opera, featuring singers who will share their favourite solos and ensembles from the world of Shakespeare. Admission is free for the show Wednesday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open 1 hour before showtime.

“For a quart of ale is a dish for a king.” (The Winter’s Tale Act 4, Scene 3)

King Beer at Little Brown Jug featuring Ian Bastin and Alissa Watson.
Photo by Matthew TenBruggencate.

Little Brown Jug is also hosting Shakespeare in the Pub. The company’s ShakespeareFest lineup includes King Beer, Ales Well That Ends Well and Henry He Poureth. Pay what you can online or at the door or use your festival pass. 

Dates and tickets

Instagram.com/nonsuchbeer

“Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter

Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here.”

Ok,  you’re on to us. That’s not Shakespeare. Here Comes the Sun is one of the songs in As You Like It, blending 25 Beatles songs with the words of the Bard, playing at the John Hirsch Mainstage at 174 Market Avenue.

Nonsuch Brewing Company at 125 Pacific Avenue is a quick three-minute walk from the theatre. Enjoy a Belgian Blonde, Strong or Honey Oat Saison, and be sure to look up. The golden umbrellas suspended overhead are enough to rival the return of the sun. 

It’s all right. 

Dates and tickets

Visit ShakespeareFest full lineup and festival passes. The festival continues until February 9.