Shakespeare's Comedy Takes the Stage Under Wollongong's Night Sky
Wollongong audiences are set to experience the magic of Shakespeare's comedies as they were originally intended—performed in the great outdoors. Starting Wednesday, February 11, The Comedy of Errors will inaugurate Merrigong Theatre Company's new Theatre Under the Stars series, transforming Keiraville's Kooloobong Oval into a starlit theatre venue.
Artistic Vision: Embracing the Natural Environment
Damien Ryan, artistic director of Sport for Jove Theatre Company and director of the play, emphasised that Shakespeare's works are profoundly enhanced by outdoor settings. "It's a joy working outdoors, and we're thrilled to be collaborating with Merrigong Theatre Company," Ryan said. "These plays were crafted for open-air theatres with a hole in the roof, and Shakespeare consistently references the natural world—the cosmos, birdlife, and the earth beneath us. It's a fantastic experience to come out into this beautiful environment and witness a wonderful cast in this picturesque Turkish-inspired setting."
The production will run until February 22, offering a unique theatrical experience that blends classic literature with the serene backdrop of Wollongong's night sky.
Expanding Horizons: A Three-Year Outdoor Theatre Initiative
The Comedy of Errors marks the beginning of a three-year series for Theatre Under the Stars. In 2025, Merrigong Theatre Company secured a significant $750,000 grant from a new national arts fund to adapt local author Catherine McKinnon's novel Storyland for an outdoor stage. This ambitious production is scheduled to debut in early 2027 at a specially selected site near the escarpment, promising to be a visually spectacular and nationally significant piece of theatre.
Simon Hinton, artistic director of Merrigong, expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver such large-scale outdoor works, citing past successes. "Both The Sirens' Return at Port Kembla pool in 2022 and A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Botanic Garden in 2023 were hugely successful," Hinton noted. "They taught us that audiences here love engaging with performances outside traditional theatre spaces. Outdoor events attract diverse crowds and focus on the holistic experience."
Event Details: What You Need to Know
Theatre Under the Stars will be held at the University of Wollongong's Kooloobong Oval, located at 59 Northfields Ave in Keiraville. Performances begin at 7 pm from February 11, with gates opening at 6 pm via the Northfields Avenue entrance.
- Parking: Limited street parking is available along Northfields Avenue, Robson Road, and nearby streets. The closest casual carpark is P3 South Western Carpark at the University of Wollongong, approximately a 7-minute walk from the venue.
- Age Recommendation: The show is suitable for ages 10 and above.
- Weather Policy: As an outdoor event, the performance will proceed in light rain. Attendees are advised to bring raincoats or ponchos.
- Food and Drink: Grazing boxes will be available for purchase on-site or in advance. Patrons may bring their own water, picnics, and light snacks (no glass containers). The event is fully licensed, offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; no BYO alcohol is permitted.
Essential Guidelines for Attendees
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, here are key reminders:
- What to Bring: Tickets (e-ticket or physical), proof of age or concession cards, appropriate weather protection, water bottles or picnics (without glass), a picnic rug or low-back chair, and a positive attitude.
- What Not to Bring: Pets (assistance dogs are allowed), glass items, knives (except plastic or paper ones for picnics), bikes, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, skates, vaping or smoking materials, professional cameras without prior permission, and any illegal or dangerous items.
This initiative not only revitalises classic theatre but also fosters community engagement through immersive outdoor cultural experiences in the heart of Wollongong.
