Shakespeare Under the Stars is back this summer with a new production of Richard III set against the stunning backdrop of Newcastle’s Fort Scratchley.

Richard III

Dates
11 – 15 NOV 2026
PERFORMANCE TIME
8PM
Venue
Fort Scratchley
1/3 Nobbys Rd, Newcastle East NSW
TICKETS

Fort Scratchley is an atmospheric, historic coastal fort in Newcastle. Please note that this is an outdoor sit down performance and will go ahead in the event of light rain and wind. Please bring appropriate gear for the weather of the day.

The Fort Scratchley Historic Site can be accessed by people with a range of mobility but it should be noted that there is uneven ground on site. There is accessible parking at the venue and an accessible toilet located on site.

  • Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance times. Start times are strict and lockouts will apply, so please allow yourself enough time to make it to the venue and enjoy the show
  • Parking: There is some parking available at the venue. Additionally, parking can be found at Nobbys Beach carpark and street parking nearby the venue. Please allow ample time to find a park if travelling by car
  • Public Transport: The Newcastle beach tram stop is just 10 minutes walk from Fort Scratchley
  • Please note: No animals are permitted inside Fort Scratchley grounds excepting registered companion animals.

If you have any further questions about accessing this performance please contact us and we’d be happy to help.

Supporters

Richard III is one of Shakespeare’s most infamous tragic villains. Bent on seizing the throne from his brothers, Richard III unleashes ruthless charm and remorseless ambition as he rises to power, eliminating all who stand in his way.

Richard III marks the fifth anniversary of Whale Chorus’s celebrated open air theatre season, Shakespeare Under the Stars. A team of remarkable Novocastrian actors form a shape-shifting ensemble where the role of Richard changes hands as quickly as power slips through one’s fingers.

This is brutally honest theatre that transforms Fort Scratchley into Richard’s court in front of your very eyes. Grab a front row seat to the open air action and watch as history threatens to repeat itself. Who’s the real tyrant after all?

Team

Director

Janie Gibson

Producer, Production Manager & Lighting Designer

Vanessa Hutchins

Cast

Lou Chapman, Barnaby Donaghy, Aoife Gregory, Matt Harper, James Lawson

Costume Designer

Vanessa Kellas

Composer & Sound Designer

Huw Jones

AV Technician / Projections

Joshua Ingle

Fight Choreographer

Tim Dashwood

Stage Manager

Zara Thompson

Text Coach

Isobel Kirk