Ahoy, lovers of Shakespeare, queerness, and punk rock anthems, Antonio! is here to steal your heart (and maybe your treasure too).

Presented by Butch Mermaid Productions at the new Courtyard of Curiosities, Antonio! is a high-octane, queer punk pirate musical that mashes up Shakespearean canon, electric guitars, and heart-on-sleeve storytelling into a tight, gleeful 60-minute voyage. It’s bold, brash, and brazenly joyful.

Antonio! is as cheeky as it is deliciously nerdy: what if every Antonio in Shakespeare, from The Merchant of Venice to Much Ado About Nothing, was actually the same lovelorn pirate, chasing affection, adventure, and a bit of booty across the Bard’s plays? Tired of being Will Shakespeare’s side character (and ex-boyfriend), Antonio takes centre stage with his band “The Fools for Love”, determined to reclaim his narrative and sing his truth through punk rock numbers, seafaring shanties, and heartache ballads.

William Duignan, who also composed the show alongside Andy Manning, shines in the title role with a potent mix of swagger, sincerity, and comedic flair. His vocals are raw and electric, leading a powerhouse ensemble including Emma Katene, Henry Ashby, Jthan Morgan, and Ania Upstill (who also wrote the show). Every performer leans fully into the show’s punk-theatre aesthetic. They’re wild, loud, and heartfelt, while still delivering moments of tender vulnerability.

The live music slaps. From the sultry “I Want a Boy” to the melancholic ballad “Sonnets at Southampton”, the score is an eclectic mix of punk, rock, and theatrical tragedy. The tight band setup (keyboard, guitar, bass, a cheeky drum machine and additional percussion) creates a DIY-concert feel with most performers playing multiple instruments through. It turns the State Library lecture theatre into a ship deck of magnificent queer rebellion.

Directed by Andrew Paterson with a knowing wink, Antonio! celebrates LGBTQIA+ identity while poking fun at theatrical tradition, deconstructing Shakespeare throughout.

Antonio! is loud, loving, and leaves you wanting more. Make sure you hop aboard this pirate ship of passion and punk. You'll laugh, you'll cheer, and you’ll be left questioning everything you thought you knew about William Shakespeare.

Antonio! is showing at the Courtyard of Curiosities at the State Library until Sunday, March 16. Get your tickets here.

****1/2 stars