Bringing together the iconic characters and dialogue from Shakespeare’s plays with the gritty underworld of Quentin Tarantino’s film, Theatre Works and The Ghostlight League present William Shakespeare’s Reservoir Dogs in Melbourne from 5 – 15 August 2026.
Telling the tale of six strangers brought together to commit a daring crime…plunder a coach of precious jewels; things go awry, and those who remain must fight to uncover who amongst their company is a rat.
Written by Steven Hopley, William Shakespeare’s Reservoir Dogs premiered in Sydney in 2014 and was first performed in Melbourne in 2024, where The Ghostlight League received excellent reviews for their production.
After starting work on their second show (Shakespeare Ghostbusters), Artistic Director Rob Lloyd said they came up with the idea of turning their Shakespeare Pop-Culture Mash-Up shows into a trilogy.
With each show representing one of Shakespeare’s three genres, History (Shakespeare Aliens), Comedy (Shakespeare Ghostbusters) culminating at their end point; Tragedy (William Shakespeare’s Reservoir Dogs).
Director and Producer Rob Lloyd said:
“This is a return season for us in many ways. A return for the show after we presented it for the first time in 2024 at St. Martins to rave reviews, and a return to the Theatre Works stage for the first time since our very first production as a company. It feels like a homecoming of sorts and the perfect way to finally put our Shakespeare Pop-Culture Trilogy to bed.”
Six strangers are hired to rob a case of precious jewels from a coach on its way to the King. After their robbery is thwarted, the brigands realise that one of them must secretly be an officer in disguise. But which one?
Co-Producer Cassandra Hart, who also plays Sir White, said:
“Hopley has written a script that captures the essence of Tarantino’s film and dialogue, but has turned it into Old English with an abundance of Shakespeare’s works and words peppered throughout. We are also set in Elizabethan England instead of 1990’s Downtown LA. We’d say its a pretty even blend of Tarantino to Shakespeare on this one!”
Lloyd added:
“The show follows Tarantino’s 1992 film extremely closely; with the storyline not being linear. Audiences can expect to be taken on a journey into the past and present as they follow the plight of our Dogs and their downfall.”
With suits and ties replaced by dublets, semi-automatic pistols with swords and a thumping soundtrack of ’70s hits turned Bardcore by a live band; thou must not miss this unforgettable experience that blends tragedy, comedy, and a dose of Tarantino’s signature flare and Shakespeare’s iconic style.
“This is something incredible indeed” ★★★★★ – Lilitha Reviews
“Fast, furious and a theatrical hoot” ★★★★.5 – Theatre Matters
“This is a highly recommended play” ★★★★ – Arts Hub
Cry Havoc! And Let Slip the (Reservoir) Dogs of War.
William Shakespeare’s Reservoir Dogs is presented by Theatre Works and The Ghostlight League and runs in Melbourne from 5 – 15 August 2026. Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street St Kilda Vic 3184.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2026/william-shakespeares-reservoir-dogs
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/theghostlightleague/
Images supplied.
Watch the trailer below:
Created in partnership with The Ghostlight League. For more information about our partnerships, visit here.
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