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Join Our Monday Play Readings

August 18, 2025 at 5:30:00 PM

Much Ado About Nothing

Beatrice and Benedick both claim they are determined never to marry. But when their friends trick them into believing that each harbours secret feelings for the other, the pair begin to question whether their witty banter and verbal sparring conceal something deeper. Schemes abound, dangerous misunderstandings proliferate and matches are eventually made in this dazzling, dark-edged comedy of mature love and second chances.

August 25, 2025 at 5:30:00 PM

Shylock's Daughter & Other Small Chips

A new take on lesser known characters from four Shakespeare classics including Shylock's Daughter (Merchant of Venice), Prince Lear (King Lear), MacDuff (Macbeth) and Friar Falstaff (Henry IV).

September 1, 2025 at 5:30:00 PM

Clytemnestra - The Fates' Favourite Daughter

Standing over the body of her slain husband, Clytemnestra recounts her painful past, from her forced marriage to Agamemnon, who murdered her first husband and child, to the ultimate betrayal: the sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia. While her husband was away at war, Clytemnestra, fueled by grief and a thirst for revenge, ruled the city and began an affair with a man named Aegisthus. The play chronicles her journey of loss and vengeance, culminating in a final, deadly act.

September 8, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

A Number

In a not-so-distant future, a father named Salter is confronted with the shocking revelation that he has not one, but several cloned sons. The play is a mind-bending exploration of identity, family, and the ethical implications of human cloning. Through a series of intense two-person scenes, Churchill examines the emotional and psychological toll on Salter and his various "sons," raising profound questions about what it means to be an individual and the nature versus nurture debate.

September 15, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Knabenschiessen - NO MONDAY READING

No reading will take place during bank holiday.

September 22, 2025 at 5:30:00 PM

Where Three Roads Meet (or Jocasta Retold) by Alice Lavelle

Nearly 2,500 years ago, Sophocles wrote Oedipus Rex. His Jocasta hanged herself when she learned her husband Oedipus, was also her long-lost son. In Euripides’ version, Jocasta doesn’t die. Instead, she lives on for another 20 years, ruling as Queen of Thebes and raising the four children she had with Oedipus. In ‘Where Three Roads Meet’, Jocasta who died is transported back into the world ruled by her older surviving other self and has to work out why she’s returned.

September 29, 2025 at 5:30:00 PM

The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals by Nick & Matt Lang

This horror-comedy musical follows Paul, a seemingly ordinary guy who despises musicals. His life takes a bizarre turn when the residents of his small town, including his ex-girlfriend, start spontaneously breaking into song and dance. What begins as a comedic annoyance soon escalates into a terrifying struggle for survival as Paul discovers that the musical numbers are a symptom of a larger, otherworldly invasion. The play cleverly parodies classic horror and musical theatre tropes, blending genuine scares with hilarious musical numbers.

October 6, 2025 at 5:30:00 PM

Play Reading

The Monday Play Reading will be announced a week before October 6.

October 13, 2025 at 5:30:00 PM

A Christmas Carol by Patrick Barlow

This thrilling adaptation uses only five actors to bring some of Dickens' most beloved characters to life. From Scrooge and Tiny Tim to Bob Cratchit and Mrs. Fezziwig, Barlow's A Christmas Carol uses nothing more than some simple props, fresh physicality, and the power of imagination to convey this timeless story of redemption. Witness Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation from a stingy miser to a man who generously celebrates the spirit of the season all year long, in this highly theatrical adaptation.

Our popular ZEST Monday Readings are a fantastic way to explore diverse scripts, connect with fellow theatre enthusiasts, and get to know our community in a relaxed, informal setting. Held almost every Monday evening at St. Andrew's Community Centre in central Zurich, these sessions are a cornerstone of ZEST.

What To Expect

Our Monday Readings are a unique way to experience the world of theatre. Here's a quick look at what happens:

  • Relaxed and Informal: We read scripts in hand, without rehearsals, sets, or costumes. The focus is on discovery and fun.

  • Open to Everyone: These sessions are for both ZEST members and those curious about joining. Anyone who understands and speaks English is welcome.

  • Getting Involved: Newcomers are never pressured to read. You're welcome to simply listen, and you can speak to a committee member at any time if you'd like to get more involved.

Ready to Dive In?

There's no need to sign up in advance. Simply check our calendar for the next session and come along!

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our newsletter for newcomers to get the latest news and invitations.

Support Our Community

These readings are a great way to experience ZEST, but they are just the beginning. The sessions are organized by members, for members. By becoming a ZEST member, you help support our community and the production of our plays.

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Firman Burke, Paul Bilton, Michael Bushkov, Olga Bushkova, Martin Chweirut, Nik Clayton, Daniele Dagani, Tom Hofmänner, Jamie Langridge, Irene Lautenbach, Tiina Palojärvi, Tim Purdue, Kelli Shoemaker​, Hummingbird Photography, Polar Studios

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