Historic Site Hosts Macbeth

Award Winning The Barden Party at Tocal Homestead January 24 2025

About the show

A garden party on the lawn at the historic Tocal Homestead, shared with friends and family. Professional actors perform a unique and contemporary musical rendition of one of William Shakespeare’s most loved works.

A unique re-telling of this classic with a Bluegrass twist occurs during twilight, with a glass of sparkling and canapes on arrival. This is followed by a 2 course dinner prepared by the talented team of Sprout Catering.

Settle in as The Barden Party entertain with lively outbursts featuring music with breathtaking moments woven throughout.

The perfect entertainment for the uninitiated, within a stunning rural setting.

The Menu

• Arrival – Glass of Hunter Valley Sparkling and Sprout’s gourmet selection of canapes. A soloist will entertain until the show begins.
• Main – Artisan house-baked breads and main course of slow-roasted beef, tender green beans salad, velvety potato salad & truffle oil OR Chicken Galantine accompanied by honey-glazed carrot puree & a vibrant summer vegetable medley
• Dessert – Summer passionfruit curd complemented by lemon creme and citrus & rasberry compote OR decadent chocolate mousse paired with marinated sour cherries & black sesame tuiles
• A selection of Hunter wine, beer, soft drink and water will be available for purchase on the evening.

Limited tickets available.

(10% discount for purchases of 8 tickets or more in a single transaction. This will be automatically applied at check out.)

*This event WILL proceed regardless of weather. Should extreme heat or heavy rain threaten the outdoor space, this event will be moved to the hall at Tocal Ag College. All ticket holders will be notified by email where possible.

About the performers

The Barden Party was created after COVID-19 led to a constant stream of cancellations in the performing arts industry and for these talented actors. The team wanted to take theatre back to its roots through a style of touring that couldn’t be cancelled. Joining forces with musical director, Jake Byrom, they started taking theatre directly to the people in the form of a low cost show, focusing on high quality acting, comedy, music, joy and celebrating the merriment of Shakespeare.

The model has proved a hit! We have performed over 50 times throughout New Zealand and now take the show to Australia and beyond. The Barden Party are winners at the Adelaide Fringe and Dunedin Fringe