RSC in the Town Parade

Artist Jessica Hartshorn was commissioned by the RSC to work with four Stratford schools, who took part in workshops to design new banners for the town parade, inspired by ‘Seasons of Shakespeare’. Come and join in the fun as Bridgetown, Shottery, Bishopton and Stratford Primary Schools unveil banners and the new RSC birthday flag, accompanied by large ariel puppets inspired by their designs, made by A Bird In Hand Theatre Company. Visit the town's Birthday website to find out more.

11am-12.15pm 
Free, all welcome

DROP IN CRAFT: MAKING PUPPETS

Make your very own bird puppet inspired by the aerial puppets seen in Shakespeare's Birthday Parade.

Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by a parent/carer.

Avonbank Gardens
Midday-4pm
Free

Re-opening of The Play's The Thing Exhibition

Reopening on Shakespeare’s birthday, enter the ever-changing world of the RSC, and explore our 100-year history and work here in Stratford-upon-Avon. Each year different community groups engage with our collections, sharing their perspectives and selecting objects for display.

For 2025, three groups with experience of displacement from home have helped co-curate this exhibition, reflecting themes of imagination and playfulness. Their choices and words show the power of theatre to inspire ideas and illuminate emotions across cultures, languages, and borders.

Level 1 Swan Theatre
Midday
Free 

COMMUNITY SHAKESPEARE PERFORMANCES

Celebrate Shakespeare on his birthday with performances from his hometown schools, community and theatre groups. Follow the puppets from the parade to our pop-up stage in Avonbank Gardens for an afternoon of playful scenes of Shakespeare. Performances will be short scenes from As You Like It, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Winter's Tale. The stage will be hosted by members of the Youth Advisory Board.  

12.30pm - A short performance with puppets from the Parade
12.45pm - Seasons of Shakespeare from Bridgetown, Shottery, Bishopton and Stratford Primary Schools  
1.30-5pm - Community performances 

Avonbank Gardens
Free

Applications are now open for community groups to perform on the stage.

Find out more

SPEAKING SHAKESPEARE WORKSHOP

Shakespeare’s plays were written 400 years ago but are still performed today. Why is that? How are these stories and words re-used over and over, and how are they still funny and meaningful today?

Find out as we explore Shakespeare’s words through a combination of games, playful activities and performance in this family-friendly introductory workshop. Perfect tor those who are new to Shakespeare, and those who already love Shakespeare's stories, words and rhymes.

Suitable for ages 7+, children must be accompanied by a parent/carer and also require a ticket*

The Welcome Space, PACCAR Room
12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm
Free

Book now

DISCOVER SHAKESPEARE TRAIL

Our new playful trail invites you to explore the RSC buildings to discover Shakespeare through items on display from our shows, fun facts and games. Visit The Welcome Space in the PACCAR Room on Level 2, to imagine and play with shapes and worlds inspired by Shakespeare and the theatre.

Suitable for the whole family.

RSC Buildings
11 April -18 July
Free