We came here as something to do while in town for the evening with no plans and we didn't have a lot of hope for the event, but thought it would be fun... We didn't know it would be GREAT!!! We decided to buy stage-side seats and we were seated right next to the area where the king & queen would sit and watch. This play is absolutely incredible! The actors and staff were all great and hilarious! I don't want to give too much of it away, but we did it all and had a great experience. Definitely worth visiting! read more

I'm going to be the dissenter and call in Fentanyl Shakespeare. My wife are fun people, dance to the music in public when no one else is and love comedy not dependent upon shock and gutter talk but on hilarity and well executed timing. I think if you are 21 ish you will love it and all of the jokes that require you are up to date on the latest pop stars back stories. We endured. We smiled. We looked at our watches, smiled and sighed with the others in the room who had that why am I here look. People who had the most fun arrived hammered in my humble opinion. I while I am on the topic of pain, and those pew benches. Omg folks what's the cost of a long ? $300? Wow. That was equally painful. Some of have firm booties Staff was nice. Bar set up worked like a charm. read more

Did I have fun? Yes! Would I go back?..... Listen, the actors are fantastic and entertaining here. I had been seeing a lot of ads for Drunk Shakespeare and when my friend had it on our Chicago weekend list ideas, I thought it would be fun to finally try it out. I'm glad we got our tickets on groupon because the price felt perfect for that. I would recommend going that route when getting tickets. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I did look at my friend and said I hope it isn't just endless sex jokes.... The sex jokes were gratuitous. That being said, it was still fun. I saw something that said it was like if Shakespeare was improv, and that was the perfect description. We did a 5pm show and the energy was still high and awesome. It was a sort of hidden space next to a Panda Express. When you walk in there is a bar/a spot to scan tickets. They had three gender neutral single stall restrooms in the space. Depending on which level of ticket you get, it's all first come first serve seating in that row. Because it is such a small intimate space (meant to be like in the round, but feeling more like in the hallway) all the views were good. Each seat had QR codes to order drinks at. Upon entering the theater part we were offered shots. We decided to order a cocktail and water. For some reason it took forever to get our orders to work, the website kept having an error page. In the end, we did successfully order some drinks. Our show was Macbeth, which was quite funny to watch in a comedy setting. They interact with the audience a handful of times. If you want this, you should get seating in the front row OR you can place auction bets for the Queen and King seating when the show starts. Overall, I had fun and for the price we paid, I would be open to trying it once again in a few years. read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago - Welcome shots - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you're curious be a cat got for it. Even if you aren't much of a fan of the arts this is for everyone. Every talented, it's takes a lot of skills to do a mixture of script and improv. I enjoyed every bit of it. I personally chose the front row great interactions with the cast. You're there for a good time so the. That frown upside down lol they can see you. It is one person who gets drunk and she did phenomenal. read more

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This was a fun experience! The cast acted out Macbeth. It could get a little raunchy hence the flow of libations. lol This is an interactive experience. The crowd is encouraged to participate. The drinks were really on point.Loved the venue. I give it a 9 out of 10 only because I am not as familiar with the story of Macbeth as I am some of Shakespeare's other work. I do suggest padding on the benches since we are sitting there for an extended period of time. read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My husband and I had a blast here. We ordered our tickets ahead of time and received emails that were clear about when to arrive and that we both needed our IDs. We got a shot when we arrived and they have QR codes by your bench/seat area. Our Verizon service was TERRIBLE in there--so I had to move my phone around to get it to work but eventually figured it out. We got there about 20/25 minutes early. There is crude humor but we both enjoy that so we were giggling/laughing a bunch. It is very interactive and a cozier place. Would definitely recommend eating before since they only have really light bites at the bar you can order (using the QR code). We would definitely go again! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Such a fun time. Not for the faint of heart or those with delicate sensibilities. Go in ready to drink and laugh at anything. The cast was very talented beneath the goofiness. I do wish the drunk character had a little bigger role. read more

So much fun. It's hilarious, interactive, cultural, and there are snacks and drinks. It's also an extremely intimate performance because you're inches away from the players. Lots and lots of fun read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago - People are seated in a theater setting with a throne and a large bookshelf backdrop, preparing for a performance. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'll be honest, I had no idea what to expect! We came here for our company holiday get together and it really was a fun event! A few things to know: -Purchase tickets online beforehand to ensure you can get into the show -Arrive 30 minutes prior to show time to grab a drink, snacks, and use the bathroom -Only 2 bathrooms stalls to share -One complimentary shot of tequila is recommended but not required upon entrance into the studio (take the shot) -Plan to eat dinner before or after the show; available snacks are hummus, chips, mixed nuts, etc -Group of 9 that purchase online receive a discount -IDs are required before tickets are given out -Full bar available -Each seat has a QR code to scan and order food/drinks that are delivered to your seat -You receive a bill at the end of the show to pay for your purchases -The show is very interactive; audience participation is welcomed when initiated by the cast -If you don't like sarcasm or inappropriate humor then this is not the show for you! A good time was had by all! - read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago - He was the selected "drunk" for the evening - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been here for drunk Shakespeare and recently came for drunk Dracula. It's an affordable and comical night out. All of the performers are very talented and very friendly before and after the show. The servers were very confused and a bit rude throughout the night, but cast is great and show is entertaining read more

Hands down one of the funniest performances I've been to in a really long time! What an amazing cast, location and atmosphere. Forget Harry Potter or any of the other shows in Chicago, get her now you can thank me later. Cheers!!! read more

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My husband and I love to drink and he especially loves his English literature. Combine the two and it makes for the perfect surprise birthday outing in the city. I found Drunk Shakespeare off a recommended review from Yelp friend (Joe C.). After reading his review and seeing the pics, I knew this was going to be an excellent spot to enjoy a show. Funny and entertaining it was. My husband and I doubled over in laughter the entire set. I especially like how they incorporate the storyline with modern day references to make things relevant. They have an onsite bar for convenience with QR coded drink/snack menu found near your seat. Because it's a small stage, the interactions between performers and audience can get intimate. It's all good if you're open to verbal jest just know that if sitting up front, there is a 70-100% chance you'll get picked on by the cast. And I say picked in bold caps. You've been warned. We actually sat in the back because we're not the type to engage. Personally, I like sitting up in the balcony because there is surface area to set your drinks/snacks down. Plus, you can rest your back on the wall of books versus remain slouched over on their benches. Regardless of choice, there is no bad seat in the house. For a boozy night of fun and frivolity, get your booty over to Drunk Shakespeare for a good time. Pro tip: They have light snacks but if you want to eat a meal prior to a late evening show, there is Elephant and Castle, Panda Express and Popeyes nearby. If driving in, I recommend the Spot Hero app for discount parking. read more

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If you're looking for an objective review, you should probably look elsewhere. My enchanting girlfriend is part of the cast here and I have seen the show probably 50+ times at time review. But that alone should tell you something. The talent the performers bring makes this show fresh and engaging, even if I've seen these same performers in these same roles before. They're just a solid bunch, and when given space to flex their talents, the room comes alive. I can't speak much to the food, as I typically eat before/after, but the drinks are great, and the front of house/bar staff are magicians sliding in and out, delivering drinks whilst staying out of the way of performers and the audience's sightlines. There are multiple options for discounted tickets online, so do your homework. If you're coming in from the burbs, there's a parking garage on the same block with reasonable rates on Spothero. read more

Drunk Shakespeare was fantastic. Cast members were highly engaging and we laughed for a full 90 minutes.

We had so much fun! We came here to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Drunk Shakespeare did not disappoint! Drunk Shakespeare used the library as a performance venue. It parlayed into the Bard being surrounded by classic and nonfiction works. This helped to set the Shakespearean vibe. When we entered the theater, the actors handed out alcoholic and nonalcoholic shots. One of the actors showed us where to sit. The audience sat on benches on the stage level. This allowed the actors to interact with the audience members who drank. We watched "Macbeth". The Drunk Shakespeare presented the Bard in a different yet fun and clever light. The actors opened with the all too famous witch scene and quickly developed into them taking drink shots. The actors sang while performing "Macbeth". They even introduced "Lennox" in the middle. Lennox spoke sense to the actors. Fun! I highly recommend Drunk Shakespeare. A good way to surround oneself with the Bard's written work. With the constant laughter, fun vibes, lightheartedness, and good acting. read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago - a group of people in a theatre - A group of people are seated and standing in a room with dark walls, bookshelves, and green ceiling lights, likely in a theater or performance space. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of the great qualities of Chicago's entertainment scene is the variety of live entertainment options. I had a free evening during a work trip and decided to check out Drunk Shakespeare. Currently running at the Lion Theater in the Loop, the audience surrounds the performance space in a room decorated as an old English library. The premise is that one of the troupe of actors is chosen to consume four or five shots of liquor at the start of the show and then perform for the next ninety minutes a Shakespearean work. The performance I saw featured "Drunk Macbeth" and included the general storyline of the famous play with considerable latitude for references to the current times and plenty of sexual innuendos. The theater serves food and drink directly to your seat location so you can enjoy the performance while enjoying some decent chow and libations. The craft cocktails have a heavy pour - I chose the Benedick, a pleasing concoction including barrel-aged rum, Luxardo (cherry liqueur), coffee liqueur, and chocolate bitters, along with a candied cherry. It was very smooth and I ended up drinking two. The performance was silly as you might expect but it was entertaining. I think downing a few drinks before or during the show will enhance the entertainment value for most people to put you in the right frame of mind. Overall, a pleasant experience. Recommended. read more

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What a great show! Not normally a fan of Shakespeare but the cast did a great job of making the show super fun, engaging and entertaining. Highly recommend. read more

After going to Second City the night before, Drunk Shakespeare blew them away. Kicked their ass! It's a very funny show and the cast has enormous talent, especially Diego, the drunk for the night. I told him I expected to see him as a famous star. He's got the chops! The whole cast was very good and talented. How they do it is a Magic mystery read more

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This spot is in the heart of downtown, right next to the State/Lake stop. I took the train and it was super easy to find. I would recommend public transportation instead of driving, parking in this area is really limited. The title says it all - one cast member gets drunk while they perform Shakespeare. But they make it fun, even if you don't fully understand Shakespeare they perform it in a way you can understand it. They hand you a shot when you step into the theater (a long room). I gave mine to my friend. You can order drinks straight to your seat using a QR code, I got a non-alcoholic champagne, it was really good. You don't have to order a drink, there's no drink minimum.They also give drinks to random audience members throughout the show. I would recommend sitting in the back rows because the front row has no back support. I don't have a strong core so I prefer a seat with a back. The seats are long benches so you are sitting pretty close to your neighbors. I believe the show doesn't have any intermission so you should definitely go to the bathroom before the show starts. This is definitely a show for adults, and it's such a fun show to watch. The whole cast are so talented, and you can tell they really love what they do. It's definitely a must-see. read more

It's good to be the King and Queen! Sitting atop the royal throne was such an amazing experience: cocktails, Moet & Chandon and the power to decide whether or not the drunk actor took more shots (...of course he did!). Each and every member of the cast is a master of both Shakespeare and improv, which results in a deliciously delirious decent into theatrical chaos. And a special shoutout to our drunk actor, Skylar: from your first shot to your last, you brought it all and you gave it all; thanks for making our evening one we will never forget (and one we definitely want to experience again). read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

From the minute you walk in the actors greet you and the entertainment begins. They clearly have great rapport because the jokes were seamless and it was like watching a group of friends in a play. They auction off a special thrown. I highly recommend bidding! We won (under $100) and it was worth every penny. Go to this if you're looking for good laughs! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago - The actors with the Queen and her advisor. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went this past weekend with my husband and back in October with my girl friends. Both times were so much fun. I'll speak more to this most recent show. My husband and I were in town from Cleveland, celebrating our anniversary and we were trying to figure out what to do with our evening. I found a Groupon and was able to redeem for a same day, second show. You get a shot coming in the door and it's a small venue, so every seat is a good one. We were maybe midway down the long aisle in front and even got picked to participate in a small way. All the performers were personable and kept the vibe up the entire time. They're still performing MacBeth and you don't need to know the story to enjoy the show. Multiple times, my husband exclaimed "what tf is going on!?" but was having the time of his life! He couldn't say enough good things about his experience, especially after not knowing what to expect. Bring yourself and any skeptics. The show is very worth it! I will say that drinks were pretty pricy. Maybe that is to be expected. You can order from QR codes and have drinks and light bites delivered to your seat. There are cubbies beneath the benches to store your personal items. In a random tidbit: one of the performers sang Defying Gravity and it was impressive! Such talent in that room. I would definitely go again. read more

This was fantastic! A night of absolute hilarity and fun! Don't walk - run to see this show! You won't regret it.

I'll start with the fact that I know very little about Shakespeare and I rarely ever go to a show like this. Hands down, this was one of the funniest and fascinating shows I've ever seen. The actors are bold, comical, and interactive which kept the attention of the quaint audience. If you like comedy and want to open your mind to new ideas, this is the show to do it. We will probably go back to see how it changes. 7/19/2025 9pm show. E. DeBiase read more

So much fun last night at the Drunk Shakespeare .The ambiance it's very lovely not the typical theater witch it's making this place unique.So many laughs and I like the fact that the actors interacted with the people from the public. The servants were so lovely,prompt,helpful and the cocktails are very good. read more

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A fantastic place for some great laughs! Highly recommend if you're looking for something to do in Chicago! read more

So much fun. Wasn't exactly what I expected The cast was great - the show was fun and it's just a great time Ron Bronowicki read more

The show is hilarious and very clever; the performers talented and quite enthusiastic. Only one gets drunk! They give out free shots upon entry, and you can order more drinks from your seat via QR code. The small, bookish venue is perfect, a bit cramped if you value personal space and/or fear contagion, but the proximity between the audience and performers engenders a spirit of sly camaraderie. It's a 90-minute show, and absolutely worthwhile. I wonder how often they change the play; many other reviewers mention Macbeth. I'd love to return sometime and see the same show with different actors but even better, a new show. read more

Scored discount tickets on Groupon. There isn't a bad seat in the room. Appreciated the free shot upon entry. Bar menu available by QR code ordering from your seat. They show is a mixed bag, so be ready for anything. If you are a prude, this isn't the show for you. I was curious and got a ticket while in town - I'm not inclined to return or recommend it - especially not full priced. Staff was friendly and service was quick. read more

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We had such a good time! The 6 of us sat in the balcony which is honestly such a good deal. They are good seats and we had a little bar for our drinks- the front row seats are just seats so you have less ability to order food or put down your drinks. The theater is small, but great view no matter where you sit. The actors welcomed us with a shot and came and chatted with us once we sat down. Some of the things we told them were brought up in the performance which was really unique. They performed Macbeth and it was sooo funny! I had my questions on whether or not the actor actually gets drunk but it seemed pretty clear that he was wasted by the end of the show. I would absolutely go again- or go as a big party I think it would be great for a birthday. The audience gets involved in the show but not in a cringy way. Very unique night out! read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago - Welcome shot - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was so much fun! Especially if you're down with Shakespeare and interactive theatre. The theater is small intimate and long. Kinda gives you the feeling like sitting at a grand table with the actors performing in the center with the guests of honor at the head. But wow, that do drink a bit and want you to join. I didn't notice food but that had plenty of drinks! Anyway, great night out with lots of fun and laughter. Highly recommend. read more

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I've been to Drunk Shakespeare 2x and I love it! The cast is amazing and so friendly. The service is great too, and they do a great job getting drinks to people during the show. Diego is my favorite and he's hilarious! Ambiance is a cool scholarly library vibe but the shows always get crazy! read more

So much fun! There are ~5 actors who select one Shakespeare play to perform per night. The kicker? One of the actors take 5 shots prior to the start of the show. The remaining actors are responsible for keeping the show going on the right track, despite the crazy antics that come out of the "Drunk Shakespearean". For this reason, I can't imagine any 2 shows being the same, so I'm looking forward to going again on a future trip to Chicago! A major plus, they offer craft cocktails! :) p.s. - the actors are truly talented- both in acting and improvisation. They all had the audience cracking up for the majority of the show. read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago - souvenir shot glass - A person holds a shot glass with a small figurine of a woman attached, in a dimly lit setting with people and stage performers in the background. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Very fine time I definitely recommend. I want to see it again. Good drinks and good service.

Such a fun time! Very fast paced and entertaining. The actors have as much the audience!

My friend and I booked tickets to see Drunk Shakespeare while in Chicago this past weekend. While we paid for the mezzanine, we were seated in the front row since the show wasn't sold out. Some may not care, but I really wasn't interested in being front and center. We ordered a drink each via a QR code at our assigned spot and the show started shortly thereafter. There was an "auction" to bid to become the guest of honor who got to sit in the throne that felt too much like a money grab. I misunderstood the conceit and thought all actors would be drunk, but in fact only one person would be drunk while performing. They also said the actor was the designated drunk actor for the earlier show that evening, and it seemed suspicious that they could drink 10 shots + some beer between the two shows... The actors performed some portions from Macbeth with a lot of sexual jokes throughout. That may be the perfect combo for some people but 1) I don't know Macbeth and 2) that's not my preferred humor, especially with the amount that was used in this show. My limited research after the show indicated that they ALWAYS perform Macbeth, so what I thought was going to be improv really does not vary much for each performance. Overall it was fine but I won't be going back and wish I had known a little more beforehand. read more

Had a great time. It was clean and cozy. Service was quick. Comedy was funny. Good time was had.

Fun take on a classic with audience participation and improv along the way. Love the energy of the talented cast. If you like drink and merriment, this is for you. read more

An absolute delight! I was in Chicago for a few days and it ended up being a solo trip. I asked folks for recommendations for affordable, quirky things to do with myself and, ideally, in walking distance of my hotel. Three different folks suggested a show at Drunk Shakespeare. Done! I bought my ticket the day of the show. I got them on the first link that popped up when I googled "Drunk Shakespeare" which was apparently a third-party vendor and there was some confusion at the theater when I got there. I showed them my confirmation email, they gave me a thing to fill out with the needed information, and for the trouble, they gave me a voucher for a free drink. Which was unexpected and a nice surprise. When you walk in, you get a little sippable or shootable drink to get you in the Drunk Shakespeare mood. It was nice and tasty. It is pretty much...GA seating, grab seats where you want. I was there by myself so I sat myself down at the first available open seat and made friends with my seat-neighbor. There are photo opportunities and fun chatting with other Shakespeare nerds also there for a good time before the show starts. Have fun with it, dummy! It is part improv, part drinking game, part high-brow Shakespeare (but c'mon...you know that Willy Shakes is actually totally low-brow, right?). You will laugh, you will audience-participate, maybe you will volunteer for something and get/have to chug a shitty beer through a straw in a race with an actor (definitely was one I did...) A visit to a show with Drunk Shakespeare will leave you with a sore core from laughing so much, whether the selected storyline for the night is a comedy or not, and full of happy fun feelings. Give 'em a chance! It is well worth your time and money! read more

Wow! I had to take a month to really soak in what it was exactly I experienced. My husband and I went here for our anniversary. He's not big into theater, but he does love comedy and he appreciates talent when he sees it. I am a theater geek, but have only been to one Shakespeare play in my life. Neither of us knew what to expect and chose this based on hearsay. The actors are TALENTED. They are HILARIOUS. They interact with the crowd. They make sure you're having fun. You can bid on a throne!!! You can drink, not drink, watch them drink, whatever - and no matter what you'll walk out with a smile on your face. You don't have to like theater, you don't have to know Shakespeare, you don't even have to love comedy (but, who doesn't?) -- this is absolutely worth it. If you haven't been here yet, why not?? I encourage everyone to go experience this. read more

Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago - A puppet show is performed on a small stage in a theater, with two puppeteers manipulating puppets while an audience observes. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois