I fell in love with this concept the second I heard about it. I was hoping to get to see a show on a trip I took to Chicago last month but didn't have the time, so I was STOKED to find out that it was on the game plan for my trip to NYC, and even better, that it was right within my hotel! My expectations were supppppper high, but not entirely accurate. I was fully expecting a mostly straight-laced abridged version of Shakespeare where one actor gets shitfaced and causes chaos, which I think would have been really funny. I was really in love with that idea because it seemed so unique and original to me. The reality was that while one actor did get drunk, the play itself was super raunchy and bawdy and all the actors were super inappropriate, which kinda took away from the mischievous vibe I was imagining. When all the actors are misbehaving, it's not as fun that the buzzed one is acting up. Also, didn't feel super unique that it was naughty Shakespeare, but the show was a little amusing. I will echo others' sentiments that it was on the obnoxious side and seemed more scripted and premeditated than the improv kinda vibe they try to pull off. I also suspect that the drunk actor wasn't really drunk, in part because of the straight monologue she did at the end. I mean, listen, in my younger days there were times I nailed my job while inebriated (helloooo rattling off twenty breakfast fruit options while still drunk from the night before), but I sensed something fishy. Also, in regards to the sober actor who did the "last syllable of recorded time" monologue.....sorry, I couldn't stop thinking about "Barry" and comparing. Regardless, this was a fun show and super fun to see with a group of coworkers, especially because they seemed to have manager-radar and picked on my boss multiple times, which amused us endlessly. :D read more

This was something I'd been wanting to check out for years, and scoring a couple of free tickets through a friend made it possible! We went on a Thursday night, not knowing what we were getting ourselves into. Got there at 7, hung out at the small space by the bar until the show's start time at 7:30pm. FYI, they say the show is 75 minutes, but for us, it ended at 9:15pm. As soon as you walk into the library-themed room, you're greeted with a shot - and that's all you need to know about what type of show this is! You're seated in a rectangular-type situation where the comedians perform in the middle. We loved how they get to know you and joke around with you before everything begins - it's not only funny, but also they may be collecting material for their performance, so prepare for them to pick on you! So the premise is that they get drunk (as part of the show) and then they perform Shakespeare, but infuse it with their own crudeness and vulgarities as they see fit. It's hilarious and takes a lot of guts, talent, and liquid courage to make this happen! We had so much fun watching them do their thing! There were times when I was near tears. I will say that it gets political at one point, and that made me roll my eyes - does everything have to make fun of the American government these days to be considered entertaining? Not sure I enjoyed that part, but overall, I'm glad I went. If you look on Groupon or Yelp, you can find ticket deals for cheap. They do have cocktails, wine, beer, and appetizers available. My friend got the Juliette, which I tried and thought was delicious and not strong at all. She also got a glass of wine, which I think she enjoyed. Appetizers available were kind of expensive, but included a wide range, like hummus and dark chocolate. Service seemed okay. If you're lucky, they'll choose you to give away free beer to! Makes for a fun night out with friends or a date you're trying to break the ice with! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

See all

This was the funniest, most improvised, greatest thing I've ever seen. I wish I lived here and could go regularly because it's never the same show twice and I'm now jealous of everyone who gets to see it. I will absolutely be using my membership card whenever I visit NYC. read more

My wife and I came here celebrating our wedding anniversary. I wasn't totally sure what to expect but she was really excited for it. I see now why she was so eager to go. This some of the most entertaining theater I've seen in the city, and honestly I don't want to watch Shakespeare in any other format now. To sum it up: The show is a casually presented Shakespeare play, chosen at random, but one of the actors is made to imbibe a large amount of alcohol before the show starts. It was positively hilarious, part improv show, part experimental theater. Danielle, who was the lucky (?) actress that got drunk, was absolutely a riot. Michelle and the cast were very quick witted, and we heard a wonderful rendition of a Nickelback song, which was unexpected for Shakespeare but somehow fit. They auctioned off a "king and queen" experience, which we won. As part of that experience we sat in a little throne, drank champagne, were served chocolate and caviar, and every time someone said my wife's name the room had to cheer "F*** Yeah!" The drunk actress also drew a "portrait" of us which we will cherish forever. Needless to say, compared to "The Lion King" this was way, way more fun. Definitely perfect for a couple looking for something to do between bars and restaurants or groups of theater nerds trying to get laid. read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Dramatic moment with Lady MacBeth. - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Incredible experience and performance. All of the performers are so talented. The singing talent was so unexpected. We're already telling all of our friends and will be back when we visit New York again soon. read more

wonderful ambience, hilarious show, and great value with a full service bar that delivers to your seat!

Was very funny! Shakespeare and improv. Good interactions with the audience. Drinks were nice--could have used some more food options but then again, it was hard to balance if you weren't sitting in the "balcony"--I don't think there were any bad seats and when I go the next time, I would definitely get the bar/balcony seats. Cast and servers were very attentive read more

A wonderful, hilarious, interactive show! I went with a Shakespeare-loving friend and it was a great time.

for someone who doesn't understand Shakespeare reference, it was still fun as long as you are down couple of drinks. amazing actors and impressionists, great night out with a date or with friends for sure! read more

This is a troupe of actors that convenes in a library -- or on a set made very much to look like one -- at at 777 at broadway in Midtown Manhattan. at the event the library serves liquor, and"Drunk Shakespeare" show breaks out, with audience members seated among the books at the stage and immediately around the stage. It's very interactive and actors bring in audience members to participate, it's extremely close to the actors as they perform a severely fractured modern day parody of politics and society (US) version of "Macbeth." (A second Shakespeare play is rumored to be added to the mix in March.) It's not for kids it's great for adults a bit raunchy but funny and no nudity but a shirtless hunk and lots of vulgarity in all good jest read more

A Must! Intimate, Interactive, and Inebriated Improv of Shakespeare... You will laugh until you cry or tinkle or both. Nothing like you have ever experienced before. Shakespeare in a way we all can enjoy... mixed with pop culture, alcohol, and improv. Guarantees even the seasoned thespians don't know what to expect in each performance so the audience is in for a ride. A small intimate setting that encourages the actors to include the audience at every turn. So don't be shy because that they do. With flowing libations the audience becomes more vocal during the progression of the performance as well. All adds to great commentary that the actors use in the show. In tonight's performance of Macbeth, Scott Watson was our drunken Shakespeare and he as well as all the other actors were great. A wonderful must see experience that is extremely hilarious. Looking forward to returning because no two performances can ever be the same with the exception of drunken funniness. read more

See all

Hysterical .... the cast was just so much fun and so appropriately inappropriate LOL it was just a great experience, I went with seven girlfriends and we cracked up the whole evening I definitely recommend it for anybody that wants a small venue entertaining evening we sat right on the edge of the stage or I should say on the stage it's really just a big room not an actual stage ... a super fun interactive Shakespeare comedy night! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

If you haven't experienced this show yet, what are you waiting for?! Fantastic entertainment!! I will definitely be recommending to all my friends. Great cast, great laughs, and an extremely memorable experience! Any seat in the house is amazing and be prepared to walk out with your cheeks hurting from laughing so much. Don't walk- RUN to get your tickets!! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - a red bench in a library - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

I love theater and I love Shakespeare. This was the best time for our money in all of NYC. The cast is excellent and it was a riot from beginning to end. One of the cast members drinks 5 shots of alcohol then starts a play. There is plenty of audience participation so you never grow bored. The Garden Theater looks like a restaurant from the outside draped in sunflower garland. We were unsure if we'd found the right place since it was winter and dark and we were unfamiliar with the area. Maybe an exterior sign would have helped? But, a raucous good time and I highly recommend it. There is no way you will be disappointed. read more

I want to preface by saying we had a great time at the show. The cast is outstanding and the show is a hoot. I loved it but I'm struggling with my rating. While the show/performers is a solid 5 stars, accessibility here is a 0/5. And I wish they were just upfront about it. The day before the show, we received an e-mail reminder with information. When we got to location (and already had given our cab up), there was a sign on the door stating they'd moved (they e-mailed out the wrong address). We couldn't get a cab and had to walk sort've far to the new location. When we got there, the venue was only accessible via a big, narrow staircase to 2nd floor. We were already exhausted. I know its NYC, but we might not have come had we known all this. This was all very problematic for someone in our party requiring some basic accessibility. Its 2019, please just put a statement on your website and be transparent to avoid surprises like this. I want Drunk Shakespeare to be better - it's a fabulous show but I can't in good faith recommend to people living with disabilities or requiring some accessibility. read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

See all

If you're looking for a unique and fun (and funny) night out, look no further. Drunk Shakespeare is brilliant. One actor in a small cast takes at least 6 shots of alcohol and then attempts to perform a comedic variant of a Shakespeare play. When you first arrive, you are asked to wait in a small waiting room that also has a bar that serves drinks and snacks. The menu items are a bit pricey, but you quickly learn that is where the theater makes the bulk of their revenue since show tickets are often on sale for $30 or under. Drinks are weak, so if that matters to you, stick with wine. At the start of the show, they also hand you a mixed shot; also weak, but at least it's included in the price of admission. The theater space is pretty small and decorated like a library. Colorful books line the walls, and audience members face inward and downward at an arena stage. There are only two rows of seating around the stage, so there is no bad seat in the house. We sat in the upper "mezzanine" level and saw everything just fine. Be warned, if you sit on the lower level, you will most probably become part of the show, and usually the butt of joke, particularly if you are male. But it's all in good fun, so don't let that deter you! All in all, a super fun show and I highly recommend it! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - MacBeth - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

See all

So fun! Their drinks were great too and I love how they interact with the audience. If you're wondering if you should go to the Drunk Shakespeare, do it! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Absolutely enthralling. So much fun!! The premise is that there are five actors who put on a Shakespeare play. One of the actors is chosen to take five consecutive shots of hard alcohol, while the others continuously sip on lighter drinks. The booze, undoubtedly, ups the entertainment factor. Upon entering, everyone is handed a shot of some sort of liquor, though I'm not exactly sure what it was, lol. Throughout the show, you can mark down drink/food orders on a piece of paper and waiters will deliver it to your seat. I initially thought that Drunk Shakespeare was held in a large theater (like Broadway). I was so pleasantly surprised to find that the production operates in a small, intimate room. The "stage" was a sunken-down, rectangular platform surrounded by two levels of seating: floor and bar. The floor seating is on the same level as the stage. You're essentially sitting along its walls. The bar seating surrounds the stage, elevated one level. Still, extremely close to the actors. You could reach out and touch them. I loved this production because it was so interactive. Audience participation is about 40% of the show, I'd say. There are a bunch of fun audience-participation gimmicks woven into the program (like choosing if/when the actors need another shot or competing in shotgun competitions with the actors). Hype, applause, and cheers are encouraged from the audience. The actors were all amazing. They had great comedic timing and brought modernity, flair, and vulgarity to Shakespeare. Their hilarious booze-fueled antics were the highlight of my night. One actor started twerking in the middle of her performance, for reasons unbeknownst to us, LOL. I especially loved Mike Sauce's performance! Brilliant guy. I would love to be back at the playhouse someday! What they do, they do well. If you love being loud and raucous, shmoozed and boozed, enlightened and enraptured, check out Drunk Shakespeare. read more

Shakespeare? I've heard of him. I didn't solidify any English lit to memory, but my friend that came with me is a Shakespeare fanatic! But don't worry if you're not, you'll enjoy it all the same. The building outside is super sketchy, but don't worry, it's got a super cool feel inside. The actors were great and it's partly an improv show with drinking which promises to be a good time! You're welcomed with a tasty shot and from there the show is pretty interactive. The cast is really friendly and creates an atmosphere of camaraderie. Definitely come here! We got discounted tickets at TKTS just a couple hours before the show and meandered our way here. read more

I knew that this show would be fun and funny, but I did not expect it to be over-the-top hysterical! Not only are these true actors, I appreciated their pause in performance to add some context for those in the audience who may not be familiar with Shakespeare. The monologue by the drunk actor was fantastic, and the cast was interactive, spontaneous, and creative. I would definitely go back, and I know it would be a completely different show! In the interest of complete transparency, be prepared for the true bawdy nature of the Bard! read more

This show is absolutely fantastic! It is the perfect blend of comedy, improv, traditional theater, a talent show, and drunken shenanigans. Each of the actors was incredible in their own right and brought unique "flavor" to the show--impressions, music talent, etc. The venue was perfectly decorated with curtains and framed portraits, cultivating an intimate experience for each viewer. On top of everything, the cocktails and snack options were superb. I would recommend this show to anyone visiting NYC looking for a one-of-a-kind theater (and drinking) experience! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Audience and the setup at the Green Fig location. - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

I haven't had this much fun at a show in a LONG time! The cast was exceptional and everyone was in good spirits. The drinks were good. The entertainment was incredible! read more

So much fun. We had a blast at this show on a last minute Friday night decision whim. The actors and actresses were so much fun and the show was hilarious. The venue was small so every seat in the house was great. Suggestion: buy 2 or 3 drinks at the bar in the waiting area to bring into the show. They have a separate bar they sell/pour from once the show starts and drinks was much pricier and not as strong. Would totally recommend this show if you're looking for totally funny and wildly inappropriate comedy. read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Wasn't sure what to expect. But the cast was hilarious! A small theater setting. All seating was good. Cast interacted with patrons. I can't wait to go again! read more

ALL THE STARS!!!!!! Best show you haven't seen. Great cast, great production, and Shakespeare like your high school English teacher never taught you. Don't cheat yourself! GO SEE IT! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Drunken Shakespeare flip cup! - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

OMG a must see experience even if you have never read Shakespeare! My friend and I actually ran late to the 8pm show (make sure you have the right address) and Julie the host not only let us see the 10pm showing BUT she upgraded our seats and got us a table at the rooftop restaurant across the hall. She definitely made my friends birthday experience one to remember. The show itself is HILARIOUS I couldn't stop laughing, drinks and options for food/snacks are given right when you enter and a free shot is given to the audience to loosen everyone up before the show begins. I had an amazing time! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Front row viewing of the show - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Amazing show really talented cast do yourself a favor and go watch Drunk Shakespeare it's a combination of quality Broadway show high level improv with the culture of Shakespeare. You'll laugh while being engaged in the chosen play. Be prepared to have a great time. Warning this is only for adults with a sense of humor. The small space makes the experience even better. Covid precautions are taken into account. After the play feel free to grab a drink at the bar next door literally. read more

Came on Saturday at 10pm and purchased Stage Side Seats. We did not know this was a "First Come First Serve" basis. This was not stated on their website. So we were seated in horribly uncomfortable bar stools in the back corner instead of what we paid for. Why sell seats you do not have? The worst part about our seats was being able to hear the music the hotel was playing. It was extremely distracting. Because the "theatre" was only divided by curtains inside the hotel, we were able to hear whatever was happening behind the curtains. At one point, there was a vacuum going off. Just plain awful. Now onto the performance...I recommend coming extremely plastered or on SOMETHING because you will not find this one bit funny sober. It was painful to get through. It just felt like they were trying way too hard and it wasn't working. The "drunk" actor was just annoying... as any drunk person can be. One highlight was the chicken sliders. Those were amazing and the only redeeming quality in this whole experience. Really terrible otherwise and I would never wish this on anyone. read more

Save your money (even if you used a Groupon, it's not worth it) The actors knew their lines and they clearly put in a ton of effort in to this production so I will give them props for that but at the end of the day, it felt like a bunch of kids putting on a play for their parents in their living room. What you should know: - The venue is now at some random greek restaurant in Fidi, not a library theater as seen in many of the reviews which immediately changed the whole vibe of "going to see a show" - There is absolutely no difference in seating so the tier system they have on their website is a total rip off - The servers were bringing out food and walking between the actors during the performance which was very distracting. Again, it took away from the "professionalism" of the play. Nothing like smelling someone else's calamari and trying to peer around a server during a "show" - The improv didn't feel like improv at all. You could tell they have 3-4 lines they rotate in during every scene and that they pretend to be surprised at what another cast member says. It felt very disingenuous and honestly, a little cringy (we did have a few laughs but few and far between) - The drunk actor felt so over the top AKA acting sloppy and screaming "I AM SO DRUNK! WHAT IS HAPPENING?!" It just didn't land at all and felt forced. Maybe they really were drinking but I doubt he had 6 shots of tequila in the previous show then 6 shots during ours plus other random drinks throughout as they said he did. - Even as someone who knows Macbeth, I was lost so I could only imagine if you did not know the play at all, how completely confused you'd be. I've been to numerous shows at UCB and all of them were better than this. The entire time I kept trying to figure out how there were so many positive reviews for this on Yelp and Google. I've lived in NYC for 10 years and this show was one I always had on my list but it was such a disappointment. Go do or see something else. read more

I had a great time! They really get the audience into the performance and make us feel like part of the troupe. But make no mistake; these are talented individuals and their teamwork is a well-oiled machine. They were so much fun! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - a stage with people sitting at tables - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Poor taste- if that is what you like- go. Disappointed in the show and how crude it was. Male ran through audience nude- actors are drunk or pretend to be. Hard to follow the play if you call it that. If you enjoy watching people act drunk it could be for you. read more

Came here tonight with my bestie after wanting to check it out for awhile!! Way overdue. Anyways once we were in we all got a shot and got seated. The actors were getting to know the audience and speaking with everyone. I LOVED how friendly and awesome they were..and of course how hilarious they are. One of the actors even memorized everyone's names! It felt so personal. The play that they acted out tonight was Macbeth and I love Macbeth! They did a great job following the plot while being super funny (a lot of sexual humor). I liked how they made it modern too. Another thing I loved about it was including the audience in their act, keeping us very involved. Overall I have nothing but good things to say about my experience tonight, so I definitely recommend it!! It will bring you plenty of laughter. read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Loved all of them! - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

I looooved Drunk Shakespeare. I don't even remember the last time i read a Shakespear play... don't really care to either. But none of that matters because this play is just a lot of fun. You really don't need any background knowledge of Shakespeare or Macbeth (just think of the Lion King). I could never understand that Olde English used in those plays anyways. However, the group of actors that put on this play make the story hella fun and entertaining. Every single actor made me laugh. The drunk actor of the night was a hot mess and so funny. Although you're in the audience, they pull you into the story and make you feel a part of the play. The theater is so intimate, it doesn't really matter what seat you have. I enjoyed having a "balcony" seat and could see and hear everything going on. I definitely recommend this play. It's close to all the Broadway shows without having to pay Broadway prices. read more

Drunk Shakespeare - After show - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

All I can say is that if you have not been to see Drunk Shakespeare, you are missing the boat. 1st, you will lose about 10 pounds from all the laughter they produce. The entire 5 person team are all welcoming and nice. Plus, whichever cast has the opportunity to get drunk is the luckieat. They must all have a serious alcohol tolerance! This is quite an entertaining event. I only heard of it 1 week prior, and it sounded interesting and I was not in the least disappointed. You do have options to purchase drinks and some snack foods. There is some cursing if you don't like it, deal with it. It matches the venue perfectly and is hilarious at te moments they use them. I am looking forward to going to this event many more times with different friends!! I only wish I had asked them for names to properly give them the credit deserved. I can't wait to go again, and again!! read more

See all

By far the funniest show I've seen in a long while ! Anyone who didn't enjoy this show just doesn't have a sense of humor. The actors take a woeful tragedy and make it tastefully hilarious and naughty! Loved it! Highly recommend! I'd go again read more

It gave me the feeling as if I were transported to the Globe Theater of Elizabethan England and I was part of the rabble in the pit at the front of the stage. But more hilarious, closer, more fun, comfier, better service, and better drinks. DRUNK SHAKESPEARE WAS BY FAR THE BEST OF OUR FOUR DAYS in NYC!!! HANDS DOWN!!! EVERYONE IN OUR GROUP AGREED!!! GO! AND BE DELIGHTED. Josh Hyman is hilarious, yes, that's his real name, and I should know, I touched his butt. Myself and two of my fellow late 50's girlfriends attended the 6pm on Sat. 7/20/19. We had just arrived in NYC for a 4-day visit that afternoon. It was the first thing we did. Our four days were packed with seeing the Broadway Show Beautiful, a two hour pedi-cab ride around Central Park, A luxurious lunch at Tavern on the Green, attendance at a taping of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and attendance to Live with Kelly & Ryan, all that in addition to hours and hours of walking and seeing some of the quintessential Manhattan landmarks like the M&M Store, Times Square, etc. etc... Yet Drunk Shakespeare gave us all the most JOY of all our adventures. It will remain our favorite memory from our trip. Yes, it is racy. Yes, it is crazy, Yes, you should be ready to be involved to maximize your fun. But it's also fun to watch ;-) read more

See all

How did I not write a review about this place!? It was one of the most memorable and entertaining parts of my last trip to NYC! I bought a Groupon deal so the price was great, but to be honest, I'd have been more than happy to pay full price. The atmosphere is quaint. You walk into this building, take a sketchy elevator up and then wait in this hallway with no seating to stand and wait until the doors open. Once they let you in, they escort you to seats, ask you your name, where your from, etc. and really try to get to know the audience. There is a 2 drink minimum so plan accordingly. It doesn't have to be alcoholic, but why go to drunk Shakespeare and not drink!? The drinks were good. pricey, but good. I believe I had a habanero margarita or something along those lines. The show itself is HILARIOUS! A few sober cast members and one person who gets hammered throughout the show. The drunkard pounds a beer (or two/three) at the beginning of the show and then they proceed to start the play. What I like best about their take on Shakespeare is that they do 'timeouts' where they break down what's going on in laymen's terms. That was incredibly helpful for this non-thespian. lol. Throughout the show they'd refer to audience members by names (mad props for them remembering!) and call on them at random points. The drunk person takes shots and gets more intoxicated throughout the show, at the hands of the audience. It was the most I'd laughed in ages - one of the highlights of my trip. I will definitely be back when I go back to NYC next time! I'm not doing the show any justice here but just trust me, it's WELL WORTH your money and time. read more

This was a lot of fun. Highly recommend. I wouldn't take my parents, but really fun for a group of friends.

"What's there to do in Times Square???" "I dunno. If I wanted to see a movie, I could do that at home." Poor disgruntled tourists who didn't/couldn't by expensive last minute Broadway show tickets... What to do, what to do? Comedy club? Three-card Monty? Get your butt groped by Pervy Elmo? Leave that to the abject rubes. Instead, pick up some last minute tickets to Drunk Shakespeare! This is a fun, audience participation heavy type show. Be brave and join the bidding war for the King and/or Queen thrones. You get a whole bottle of champagne, you get to wear a crown, and you get to die in the most horrible felt strewn way ever depicted on stage. Everyone gets mystery shots upon entry. Gotta love that! So, yeah... not for the kiddies. There's full bar service throughout the show, so if you need lubrication to have a good time, you will have a great time. The more I think about the conditions of the show, I wonder if there's some kind of labor law that covers job mandated drinking. Because the featured actor really puts away the drink. This has to either be a dream job or a nightmare. But the performances are solid. They hit all the Shakespeare high-notes and managed to improv nicely with the audience as well. I would recommend getting tickets for the main floor seating for the most interaction. Thought you are not immune if you sit on the upper level. Leave your inhibitions in your rolling luggage in your hotel room and a good time will be had by all. read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Belly up to the bar, boys! - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

See all

First Shakespeare play and none after will live up to this performance...drunk as the main character was. A truly great play and cast.