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    Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago

    4.7 (205 reviews)
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    Ana G.

    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.

    WaNesha J.

    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.

    Chelsea F.

    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!

    People are seated in a theater setting with a throne and a large bookshelf backdrop, preparing for a performance.
    Matthew B.

    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

    He was the selected "drunk" for the evening
    Stacie J.

    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! -

    Johannes P.

    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!!!

    Intimate setting where the actors greet you when entering the stage.
    Nina H.

    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.

    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.
    Jada C.

    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.

    Puppets and a Dolly wig, all part of the fun.
    Rick S.

    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.

    The stage - People sit on benches in a theater setting with a large bookshelf backdrop and a throne at the front, likely for a performance or event.
    Tom A.

    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

    Matt R.

    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).

    The actors with the Queen and her advisor.

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    2 months ago

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

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    11 months ago

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

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    1 year ago

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

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    8 months ago

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

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    10 months ago

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

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    Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago

    I want to go to the venue in Chicago but I have a friend who is lukewarm on Shakespeare and I can't find what play they do at all. Which play do they perform?

    They don't like this being revealed, and different performers in different roles (+ different drunk performers) lend credence to the "different show every night" claim, but DS Chicago currently (6/24/25) only performs Macbeth. Auditions WERE posted… Read more

    We love this show - have taken friends who visit from out of town and seen the show at least 7-8x already. New visitors in beg July and wanting to know what the show will be?We've seen MacBeth here 5 times so really would like something new....

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Drunk Shakespeare - Chicago

    It's exactly what the name says, one of the 5 actors gets drunk and they perform Shakespeare's Macbeth.

    Mentioned in 31 reviews

    Read more highlights

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