Ugly Shakespeare is an Auckland-based theatre company. The company has been performing the Bard's works since 1996 throughout New Zealand.

Best described as Shakespeare-meets-Monty Python, the cast changes yearly and has a focus on recent graduates from Toi Whakaari. For 2025, they are touring The Tempest, and are booked to perform at Columba College on Monday, March 10th for a performance during Period 1 in Constance Hall.

Columba College has hosted Ugly Shakespeare for over 24 years, and it is hoped that parents are able to contribute to the cost of hosting them in 2025. Columba students study Shakespeare’s works in their English classes and the chance to see his words brought to life supports their appreciation and understanding of both his language and imagery. Further to this, The Tempest may inspire students to enter the forthcoming University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival (contact Ms Bercinskas for details).

Finally, for some students, this is the only live theatre they will see during the year; the advantage of Ugly Shakespeare is that we do not even need to leave the confines of school grounds as this creative and educational field trip comes to us.

Parents are asked to contribute $5.50 towards the cost of this experience.

This cost will be added to your school account unless you prefer that your daughter does not attend. Self-directed study will be organised in the library for Period 1 for students who do not attend the performance. 

If you do NOT wish your child/ren to attend the 2025 Ugly Shakespeare, please complete this form by February 28th, so that we have a record of who to expect. For all other students, we look forward to hosting this wonderful theatrical company again!