Play In A Day

Bell Shakespeare’s lively script reading series celebrating rarely read classics

Available as an add-on to a 2022 Season Package

Energetic and invigorating, Play In A Day is Bell Shakespeare’s lively script reading series celebrating rarely read classics.

Actors and director have one day together as a group before standing script-in-hand in front of an audience, the bare-bones reading allowing the words to take centre stage.

In 2022, Play In A Day continues our look at the works of Shakespeare’s contemporaries, with a popular satire from Shakespeare’s great friend and rival, Ben Jonson, and a play by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley.

THE ALCHEMIST

10 May 2022, 6.30pm
The Neilson Nutshell, Pier 2/3 Sydney

By Ben Jonson
Director Heather Fairbairn

The Alchemist is Ben Jonson’s searing comedy about human vanity, greed and gullibility. Jonson’s London is a familiar world of shallow, materialistic buffoons, ripe for the picking by the trio of scammers who have set up shop in the plague-riddled city. The swindles they perform are hilarious and strangely satisfying, but are there really any winners in this game?

2022 season package holders receive priority ticket access to Play In A Day. Capacity is limited and we encourage you to book early.

Book 2022 season package

THE CHANGELING

21 July 2022, 6.30pm
The Neilson Nutshell, Pier 2/3 Sydney

By Thomas Middleton
Director Priscilla Jackman

Betrayal, sexual jealousy and murder combine in The Changeling, a masterpiece of Jacobean tragedy. The authors, Middleton and Rowley, were frequent collaborators, and The Changeling is a fascinating example of them playing to their strengths. Rowley sets the scene and brings comic relief through a subplot, while Middleton delivers the main story with a deep dive into the dark heart of human nature.

2022 season package holders receive priority ticket access to Play In A Day. Capacity is limited and we encourage you to book early.

Book 2022 season package

With thanks to Play in a Day Patrons Kimberly Cartwright and Charles Littrell

Play In A Day tickets

Play In A Day

  • 10 May -
    21 Jul

    10 May -
    21 Jul

    The Neilson Nutshell, Pier 2/3 Sydney

    Tickets available as part of a Bell Shakespeare 2022 season package

    Book