ABOUT US
As an award-winning travelling troupe from New Zealand, we carry all our props, set and instruments with us to all corners of Aotearoa and the World to adapt our performance to
suit any space.
into a world of vintage magic. Our music-filled extravaganzas make Shakespeare and original immersive theatre accessible for audiences of ALL ages and experience levels.
With lively outbursts featuring music and laugh-out-loud moments woven throughout, our shows are perfect entertainment for even the uninitiated.
The Barden Party was created after COVID-19 led to a constant stream of cancellations in the performing arts industry for these talented actors.
American-Kiwi actor/director, Laura Irish,
wanted to take theatre back to its roots through a style of touring that couldn’t be cancelled. She formed a merry band of players that started taking theatre directly to the people in the form of a low cost show, focussing on high quality acting, comedy, tragedy, music, joy and celebrating the merriment of Shakespeare and classic works.
She started in her very own backyard. Literally.
Being outdoors and with people that know each other was a safer way to continue presenting theatre during those difficult times and now four years later, we’ve exploded into 4 award-winning Shakespearean tours, 4 completely original works, 450+ shows across 4 countries, multiple awards, an 11 week run of a fully immersive show on a super yacht and a 5 star run of our bluegrass, gender-blind Macbeth at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025! Help us get back there for 2026!
And now it's your turn - book your party!
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Laura Irish
FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
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Ollie Howlett
MUSICAL DIRECTOR & PRODUCER
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Caleb James
HOST LIAISON & PRODUCER
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