Antonio! is a queer punk pirate musical starring Shakespeare's ultimate love interest.

What if The Bard wasn't just reusing a character name, but was instead inspired by one hopelessly romantic pirate looking for love in all the wrong places? Antonio! reimagines all of Shakespeare's Antonios as one proudly queer pirate stealing hearts and booty on the high seas - that is, when he's not in London, regaling his playwright lover William Shakespeare with tales of love and adventure.

Fed up with Will taking his stories but erasing their gay content, Antonio takes the stage with his band The Fools for Love to take the audience on a journey through the love stories that inspired The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night and The Tempest.

"A treasure chest of musical comedy." ★★★★ West End Best Friend (UK) 

What if Shakespeare wasn’t just reusing a character name, but instead was inspired by one proudly queer pirate stealing hearts and booty on the high seas? Antonio takes the stage with his live band ‘The Fools for Love’ to reclaim his stories in this queer punk pirate musical not to be missed. He’s not bitter: he’s getting even! 

Now touring Australasia after a ★★★★ and ★★★★★ sell-out season at Edinburgh Fringe 2023, 'Antonio!' is “the cult classic that we all deserve" - Broadway Baby. “This show is such a joy; it’s hilarious, it’s camp” - The Edinburgh Reporter  "Vibrant, passionate and extremely fun" - Theatre Travels (UK)

Book by Ania Upstill

Music and Lyrics by William Duignan and Andy Manning

Directed by Andrew Paterson

Featuring Henry Ashby, William Duignan, Emma Katene, Jthan Morgan and Ania Upstill

Fresh from the Adelaide Fringe, this Edinburgh Fringe smash-hit makes its Auckland debut!

Want to see even more from Basement Theatre? Click here to see their full schedule of upcoming shows!

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Please arrive at least 15 minutes before show start time. Latecomers admitted into the theatre at Basement's discretion. No refunds will be given. 

$15 and $20 Basement Mates tickets available for this event. Find out more about Basement Mates here.

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COVID-19 measures at Basement Theatre:

- The Government mandates may be gone, but our frenemy COVID (and a bunch of other nasty flus) are still hanging around. Head HERE for the information on what to do if you're feeling unwell and have a ticket.