Rylance brings Pop-up Shakespeare to London

Mark Rylance, 52, was due to recite parts of The Tempest during the 'Isles Of Wonder' section of the opening ceremony on July 27th. (GETTY IMAGES)

Those venturing to Covent Garden in London this week may be in for a theatrical surprise. Visitors to the area could receive their own "pop-up" performances of Shakespeare from performers hidden in the crowds.

The event has been masterminded by the award-winning actor Mark Rylance, and there is even a suggestion that he could make a cameo appearance himself during the week-long "run".

The idea for Surprises: What You Will: Pop-Up Shakespeare, was devised with the help of writer, director and actor Jonathan Moore to celebrate the Paralympic Games. It was kicked off yesterday with a performer among the Convent Garden crowds singing a passage from The Tempest. This prompted upwards of 50 members of a flashmob to put on Shakespeare wigs and facial hair and perform a medley of songs.As the flashmob ended, they removed the wigs and vanished back into the crowd. The Shakespeare "spectacular" was just the start, as the actors dispersed to all corners of the square to perform for little clusters of passers-by.