What's on for summer 2024

We have a packed summer of shows across three theatres, plus a loaded schedule of activities for families and young people

Summer is coming (finally!) and the stages are all set for a summer of theatrical wonder here in Stratford. Scandal, gossip and intrigue are sizzling out of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with our double bill of The Merry Wives of Windsor and The School For Scandal. Meanwhile at the Swan Theatre, Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey brings us her RSC debut with the epic tale of Pericles. Out by the river, The Holloway Garden Theatre will be getting ready to welcome As You Like It and a programme of free, community events. Add to that three summer schools and a host of family-friendly activities to explore, a jam-packed summer awaits.

The Merry Wives of Windsor production photos_ 2024_2024_Photo by Manuel Harlan_374455

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

When an out-of-pocket schemer arrives among the lawns and herbaceous borders of Windsor, he sets about seducing two well-to-do married women. But in this neighbourhood, wives talk. And they’re about to play some tricks of their own...

Blanche McIntyre directs Samantha Spiro in Shakespeare's suburban comedy where women get the last laugh.

The Merry Wives of Windsor plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre until 7 September.

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Stefan Adegbola as Sir Joseph Surface, dressed in black stands comically open-mouthed pointing to a letter in his hand

THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL

1770s London, where the aristocracy’s morals have plunged lower than the necklines on the women’s gowns, the vicious Lady Sneerwell enjoys ruining reputations for pleasure. Join us for elaborate schemes of intrigue and infidelity and scandal, that are sure to ruffle all the right feathers. Tinuke Craig, Artistic Associate at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, directs. 

Want to find out more? Stick around after the show on Friday 9 August for our free Post Show Stay Late session, where you get the chance to ask the acting company your questions.

The School for Scandal plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre until 6 September.

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As You Like It production photos_ 2024_2024_Photo by Marc Brenner_377606

open air theatre: as You Like It

You might not expect to meet your true love at a wrestling match, yet that’s exactly where Cupid takes aim at Rosalind and Orlando.

Enjoy Shakespeare's As You Like It in our outdoor venue, The Holloway Garden Theatre. At just 1 hour 20 minutes long, this edited version is a great first introduction to Shakespeare, or just a lovely way to see his timeless comedy in the glorious surroundings of the Swan Theatre Gardens.

Have some burning questions for the actors? Stick around after the show on Thursday 29 August for our free Post Show Stay Late session.

As You Like It plays in The Holloway Garden Theatre until 1 September.

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Alfred Enoch as Pericles and Leah Haile as Thaisa in Pericles

Pericles

Ahead of its autumn transfer to Chicago, you can catch Shakespeare’s stirring tale of love, hope and miracles in Stratford-upon-Avon. 

Our Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey makes her RSC debut, directing award-winning actor Alfred Enoch in the title role.

Pericles plays in the Swan Theatre until 21 September.

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7777_TwoGents_DigitalAsset_1440x1368

Next Generation: The Two gentlemen of Verona

A fresh air approach to Shakespeare’s early romantic comedy - where first loves, betrayal and a dog, all collide in music and mayhem.

Created and performed by the RSC Next Generation Act young company, made up of 24 young people aged 13 to 18 from across England, recruited through our Associate Schools Programme.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona plays in The Holloway Garden Theatre, 22 to 24 August.

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Family Activities and Workshops

Open Stage

Looking for free outdoor activities this summer? Come and enjoy free outdoor weekend performances, workshops and stories at The Holloway Garden Theatre. 

Our outdoor theatre in the Swan Gardens will be home to a brand-new season of free performances by community and youth groups every weekend, from Saturday 20 July to Sunday 1 September.

All performances are free, but you will need to book.

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A young man plays the guitar while gazing at a blonde woman

THE GLASSHOUSE

From 8 to 10 August, we also have free to visit, interactive sculpture that's set to light up the streets of Stratford. A convergence of art, technology, light and sound created by the Wayne Sables Project, The Glasshouse dynamically changes depending on how close you get to it, creating a unique experience every time.

Running alongside will also be family-friendly workshops in storytelling, composition and speaking Shakespeare on 30 July to 7 August, as well as the opportunity to build your own mini Glasshouse, which will become part of the final showcase.

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TheGlasshouse

SEE FOR FREE

Explore our free exhibitions and the many artworks around our theatre foyers and walkways free of charge.

Visit our free exhibition, The Play's The Thing, and discover more than 100 years of theatre-making magic, marvel at Steven Follen's 'Starman' in For All Time, crafted from 2,000 handmade silver stars or explore Our Home, a vibrant mural by Vic Lee, showing the history of our town.

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Steven_Follen_For_All_Time_artwork_finished_installation_2016_Photo_by_Andrew_Fox_c_RSC_189570

Summer Schools for ages 8 and beyond

This year we are offering three summer schools.

  • SOLD OUT Ages 8 to 14: Budding actors and theatre enthusiasts can take part in an immersive programme to create their own short production of As You Like It, ending in a special performance for families | 19 to 23 August | Find out more 
  • Ages 18 to 25: masterclasses, careers talks and practical workshops and a session with our casting team, this is perfect for early career, actors, directors or Shakespeare enthusiasts, or those looking to find their way into the theatre industry | 12 to 16 August | Find out more
  • Age 18+: our 77th annual RSC Summer School is run in association with the Shakespeare Institute. Guest speakers to include Alfred Enoch, Tamara Harvey and Samantha Spiro | 12 to 16 August | Find out more

TOWN TRAIL: WALK THE STEPS OF THE BARD

If you're visiting us for a performance, or you'd simply like to explore the beautiful, leafy town of Stratford-upon-Avon, look out for our brand new Walking Trail, sponsored by Darwin Escapes.

We've teamed up with the holiday resort company to bring you our very own town trail; a 12-stop, 40-minute self-guided walking tour, which takes in all the key sites linked to Shakespeare's life and works.

As well as offering fun facts about the sites, the trail also highlights all the best spots to take a photo - remember to share your snaps with with us on social media @thersc.

You can pick up a free trail map from the gift shop in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre from across the Avon river in summer

 

Riverside Terrace launch_ May 2024_2024_Photo by Sara Beaumont _c_ RSC_373597

TAKE A SEAT AT THE RIVERSIDE TERRACE

Enjoy the sunshine as you watch the swans go by from our newly opened Riverside Terrace.

Open daily, tuck into breakfast from 9am, then from 11.30am you can enjoy the all day menu, featuring salads, meze platters, ice cream sundaes and more. 

Or if the heaven's should open, you can always head into our cosy Riverside Cafe - serving teas, coffees and soft drinks, and a wide ranges of cakes and sandwiches from 10am (takeaway from 9am).

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