Boodle’s Cymbeline by William Shakespeare
Boodle Theatre Company presents a punky, unconventional and extremely funny production of William Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, directed by Charli Birdgenaw. Performances take place from September 10 to 12, 2026, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
Part tragedy, part comedy and part romantic adventure, Cymbeline is one of Shakespeare’s most unpredictable plays. Boodle Theatre Company’s production embraces that unpredictability, inviting Kingston audiences to experience a lively interpretation filled with secret love, jealousy, deception, disguised identities and unexpected family reunions.
The story follows Imogen, the daughter of Cymbeline, who has secretly married her wife, Posthumus. The marriage does not receive Cymbeline’s approval, and Posthumus is banished to Italy. While there, she meets a man named Iachimo, and the two make a dangerous bet designed to test Imogen’s fidelity.
What follows sends the characters into an increasingly tangled series of misunderstandings, schemes and surprising encounters. Trust is tested, appearances become unreliable and identities are hidden as the story moves toward its remarkable conclusion. Despite the danger and heartbreak that surround its characters, Cymbeline offers plenty of humour—and Boodle Theatre Company intends to make the most of every comedic opportunity.
This production promises to be far from a conventional Shakespeare performance. Described as punky, out of the ordinary and extremely funny, Boodle’s Cymbeline offers audiences a fresh way to encounter the play. Shakespeare enthusiasts can look forward to seeing a less frequently performed work brought to life, while newcomers can enjoy an accessible theatrical experience driven by bold characters, physical energy and an extraordinary story.
The performance schedule begins with a dress rehearsal on Thursday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. Admission to the dress rehearsal is pay what you can, providing an affordable opportunity to experience the production while supporting local theatre.
Regular performances continue on Friday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m., followed by two performances on Saturday, September 12. The Saturday matinee begins at 2:00 p.m., and the final evening performance begins at 7:00 p.m.
Join Boodle Theatre Company at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for a joyful, surprising and proudly unconventional trip into Shakespeare’s world. Come for the secret marriage and dangerous wager, stay for the disguises, reunions and whole bunch of laughs.
Performance Schedule
Thursday, September 10, 2026: Dress rehearsal at 7:00 p.m.—pay what you can
Friday, September 11, 2026: Performance at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 12, 2026: Matinee at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 12, 2026: Evening performance at 7:00 p.m.
Event Details
Production: Boodle’s Cymbeline by William Shakespeare
Presented by: Boodle Theatre Company
Director: Charli Birdgenaw
Venue: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church