THE historic quad outside Oxford’s Bodleian Library has been transformed into a theatre to house a new production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors.
Shakespeare’s Globe on Tour theatre company is returning to the historic landmark after last year’s successful run with The Winter’s Tale.
Last year’s show was the first theatre performance on the site for 300 years.
The company was invited by the Playhouse Theatre as part of its Plays Out season.
Playhouse spokesman Kayleigh Hellin said: “The idea of Playhouse Plays Out is to do unexpected shows in unexpected places.”
The series has included productions in Cowley Road’s G&D’s ice cream parlour and in a caravan in Witney.
Globe on Tour producer James Urskine said: “Of all the open air venues we play, the Bodleian is probably the most perfect.
“You can feel there is a tangible excitement about coming here.”
The weather forecast for August is predicted to go from bad to worse, but Mr Urskine said: “Adapting the show to the different venues is the principal challenge.”
The setting is in Elizabethan touring style, with a small booth in the middle of the stage that allows the actors to exit and enter – or shelter from the elements.
The Comedy of Errors runs until Sunday, August 9, and tickets are available from the Playhouse box office, in Beaumont Street, and on its website oxfordplayhouse.com
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