The Rude Mechanicals

06/27/2026

Last chance to see "Macbeth" tonight, Saturday June 27, 8 p.m. Pre-show music at 7:30.

We'll be in the great sprawl again, atop what was from 1943 to the late '80s (ish?) the Queen City Pool.

Last night (Friday), The Druid Mechanicals played outdoors for the first time in literal years. Between monsoons and blistering heat waves over the past several summers, we've not performed under the stars since ... I'm not even sure when. Possibly "Merchant of Venice."

But it was lovely, temps in the low 80s as the sun sank behind the Black Warrior, and while the cast did sweat, the audience stayed cool. Possibly helped by the cash bar, which again tonight will be set up outside the old bath house, at the event and exhibit space now collectively known as Kentuck Queen City.

Or KQC, for we hipsters.

Swords clash, and there is simulated violence, including the (offstage) deaths of children, but this show is on the whole family-friendly.

And of course free to attend, though we do appreciate the donations -- in cash, or by Venmo -- as we're taking the actors' rabble out to eat tonight, after the show.

06/26/2026

Tonight (Friday June 26) the weather looks clear for our first outdoor 2026 "Macbeth."

Come see the Birnham Wood inherent in the system!

And: Tonight is the understudy performance. Grace Quay-Bowling will be Lady Macbeth, Elizabeth Ward Booth will be Lady Macduff, Kelly Fox will be Witch One, and Monica Bui will be Banquo.

Pre-show music begins at 7:30, and the show starts just as the sun goes down behind the Black Warrior.

Brings blankets, chairs and other comfort, including n/a beverages. The cash bar will be set up on site, and we'll keep the Kentuck Queen City building open for bathroom access.

Admission is free, though donations to feed the actors are welcomed.

06/25/2026

Hey cats and kittens: Can't be sure, so we're watching the barometer, but tomorrow (Thursday June 25) may be rained indoors again.

No worries, as we've done the previous three "Macbeth" performances in there, so we're adjusted.

But: Space is limited so check the eventny link and sign up -- still free, as always -- if you wish to be assured of a seat for Thursday.

Friday and Saturday are looking positive for the outdoors, and while that may sound muggy to you, nah.

We rehearsed outdoors tonight, and it was lovely. Sure, we broke a sweat, but it's Shakespeare, so yeah.

But there's no need for you to do so. What you should do, assuming fair skies Friday and Saturday, is bring a blanket or chairs or whatnot. Long as you're comfortable sitting on your whatnot.

It'll be more atmospheric, with some adjusted lighting changes to take advantage of towering Birnham Wood (Queen City Park), and the breadth, depth and height of the old pool area to stretch out in.

Beverage sales will be set up these remaining three nights, whether indoors or out. You'll have access to the bathrooms, of course, even should we be in the great sprawl.

All free, and family-friendly, though there is simulated violence, and some scary situations.

And we will gladly accept donations to help us keep the lights on and the swords shiny, and also to feed the cast, who might turn on me at any second as I just told them they're not getting paid and .....

06/20/2026

Yesterday, and yesterday, and yesterday ... and today, the rain comes down.

Good weather for ducks.

So we will be inside Kentuck Art Center 's Kentuck Queen City location tonight, Saturday June 20. Seating is limited, so we recommend reserving your (not damned) spot, through the link below.

Pre-show music begins at 7:30, with the show-show at 8. "Macbeth" cooks, so this one runs right at or under 90 minutes.

Beverage service will be in the lobby -- cash bar; alas, we are non-profit, despite the prophecies -- and seating is provided.

Should weather clear in the coming week, we will try for an outdoor performance or three, Thursday through Saturday June 25-27.

https://www.eventeny.com/events/macbethdruidmechanicals-31679/?fbclid=IwdGRjcASjz6FjbGNrBKPPnGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHs-4Mwbpp8yqb4spsY80hMRjyY8qC9Vzr6hy5kt_VcsAiQI7-TuMOOBlLhGs_aem_HZVeWpHAOEKdPJ81BXoFKg

Copy-Macbeth performed by the Druid Mechanicals - Druid Mechanicals offer free performances. However, when the weather doesn't cooperate, we must move indoors, where seating is limited. Tickets are simply to reserve seats. - https://www.eventeny.com/events/macbethdruidmechanicals-31679/

06/19/2026

Tonight's (Friday June 18) production of "Macbeth" will be rained indoors at Kentuck Queen City, so it's recommended you reserve a space, as seating is limited. Still free.

Here's the link:

Www.eventeny.com/events/macbethdruidmechanicals-31679/

Copy-Macbeth performed by the Druid Mechanicals - Druid Mechanicals offer free performances. However, when the weather doesn't cooperate, we must move indoors, where seating is limited. Tickets are simply to reserve seats. - https://www.eventeny.com/events/macbethdruidmechanicals-31679/

06/15/2026

Folks, it looks as if rain's going to force this weekend's productions indoors, which means limited seating. Last year, our count was 55.

So for this Thursday through Saturday's (June 18-20) "Macbeth," (It will also be performed June 25-27) here's the link to reserve a seat:

https://www.eventeny.com/events/macbethdruidmechanicals-31549/

It's still free to attend, but reserving a seat can assure we don't have to turn folks away at the door (which, sadly, we had to for last year's "As You Like It.")

And of course we will gratefully accept donations to keep the shows rolling.

Rain rain, go away. On the fields we wish to play.

Macbeth performed by the Druid Mechanicals - Druid Mechanicals offer free performances. However, when the weather doesn't cooperate, we must move indoors, where seating is limited. Tickets are simply to reserve seats. - https://www.eventeny.com/events/macbethdruidmechanicals-31549/

06/05/2026

Another flashback Friday photo, from our 2009 "Macbeth."

Marian Selvina, Aubrey Dean and Alison Fields as the Wyrds.