All the pub's a stage: Shakespeare company returns to its roots

Ten years ago, the WhatsTheirNames Theatre Company started Shakespeare at the Pub in Valletta.

Since then, they’ve taken the Bard’s work to further unconventional venues across Malta, from a farm in Mġarr to a five-star hotel swimming pool.

Now, to mark their 10th anniversary, the company is returning to its roots and to the pub.

They’re reviving their original three productions of Shakespeare at the Pub: Two Gentlemen of Verona, Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night.

Collectively titled the Shakespeare at the Pub Trilogy, the shows will be performed at the Queen Victoria City Pub in Valletta between July 23 and August 3.

But in typical WhatsTheirNames fashion, there’s a twist.

“Yes, I am fully aware that this is mad,” said director Philip Leone-Ganado, speaking to Times of Malta.

The same eight cast members will perform all three plays over the course of two weeks. Adding to the challenge is a special ‘Audience Choice’ night, where the audience will vote on which of the three plays they want to see, only moments before the performance begins.

I think Shakespeare makes life better

This means the team will need to prepare all three shows in parallel, with every costume, prop and set ready to go at a moment’s notice.

“Honestly, we are showing off a bit with the audience choice,” Leone-Ganado joked.

He explained: “We always share the experience with the audience. Whether you are getting wet at the pool or two inches away from us at the pub. And now they can even pick what they want to watch.”

Leone-Ganado said the concept of audience choice nights is still largely unexplored in Malta, and he is unaware of any other local companies attempting it. While such interactive performances do happen abroad, they remain relatively rare.

Returning to a pub also marks a return to the moment the company found its distinctive style.

“The first Shakespeare at The Pub was when we found our identity. The pub show was the start of it all,” said Leone-Ganado, who initially formed the company with others while still at university, only to perform the first Shakespeare at The Pub a few years later.

“I think Shakespeare makes life better. If you believe in the power of art and theatre, then you believe in the power of Shakespeare.”

He said there is a lot of “fear and apprehension” around Shakespeare because people feel it is high brow, high culture and highly intimidating.

Accessibility has been central to the company’s ethos and longevity.

“I want it to be accessible. I want you to go to the pub, the theatre or the swimming pool and be able to enjoy Shakespeare,” Leone-Ganado continued.

“I never planned for this to go on for 10 years, but it feels great. The fact is, most projects are one and done. So having managed for 10 years, seen it grow, and having a dedicated audience feels like a gift to us.”

Tickets are available at eventworks.mt.