The Improvised Shakespeare Show

If you are looking for something a bit different to do on a summer evening, the Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT) has a performance scheduled for 2 July 2026 that might catch your interest. The ShakeItUp Theatre company is bringing their production, The Improvised Shakespeare Show, to the stage. Unlike a traditional theatre production where the script is set in stone, this show relies entirely on the audience. The actors create a play on the spot, drawing from specific Shakespearean genres—such as Epic History, Romantic Comedy, or Gruesome Tragedy—based on suggestions provided by the crowd. They even incorporate lines written by audience members during the performance, which adds a layer of unpredictability to the evening.

The show is scheduled to start at 19:00, though the venue opens its doors an hour earlier, giving you time to settle in before the performance begins. It runs for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. If you are planning to attend, tickets are priced at £17.00 for standard entry, with a concession rate of £16.00 available. The production is recommended for those aged 12 and over. While it is rooted in the style of Shakespeare, the format is designed to be accessible, so you do not need to be a scholar of the Bard to follow along. The cast for these performances rotates and includes actors such as Joseph Prestwich, Dexter Southern, Madeline Hatt, Rose Trustman, Fred Di Rosa, Abby Forman, James Alston, Olivia Gibbs-Fairley, and Becky Gibbs.

Since the company launched this format in 2018, they have performed over 100 times across the UK and internationally. The nature of the show means that every performance is distinct, as the narrative direction is dictated by the input received on the night. It is a straightforward approach to live theatre that focuses on the mechanics of improvisation rather than a rehearsed script. Whether you are a regular at the open-air theatre or just looking for a casual evening out in Brighton, this performance offers a look at how a play can be constructed in real-time.