Pop-up Shakespeare comes to Borough Market

Shakespeare characters emerged from the crowds of shoppers and tourists to provide an unexpected cultural diversion.

As details of the event – devised by former Shakespeare's Globe artistic director Mark Rylance – weren't announced until Saturday morning, many shoppers didn't know quite what was happening when they were approached by the actors and treated to intimate performances from some of the Bard's greatest works.

As well as these one to one performances, a series of flashmobs took place with actors performing a series of songs which include the word "shake".

"Borough Market is delighted to be taking part in such a great event and to welcome performers from our neighbours, The Globe, to the market," says managing director Keith Davis.

"With the market open seven days a week throughout the Paralympic Games, what better way to add to the celebrations and to highlight Borough Market's unique cultural and historical links with the SE1 area."

Ruth Mackenzie, director of the London 2012 Festival, added: "The London 2012 Festival pop up events celebrate the surprise that is at the heart of great festivals – the unexpected encounter which delights and can open our eyes, changes minds, even lives."