Spring has well and truly arrived in Stratford-upon-Avon, and with it come our first shows of our 2025/26 season.

As we say goodbye to Hamlet and Edward II, we welcome two new bold productions to kick off our Co-Artistic Directors' second season. First up is Shakespeare's original rom-com, Much Ado About Nothing, set in the glamorous and competitive world of professional football, followed by the legendary Simon Russell Beale as Titus Andronicus in Shakespeare's bloodiest play - where revenge is a dish served piping hot.

Plus, we've got loads going on off-stage, with brand new Riverside and Ghost tours added to our roster and our annual celebrations for Shakespeare's Birthday on 26 April. Read on to discover more.


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Edward II - LAST FEW PERFORMANCES

The King is dead, long live the King. And his boyfriend.

Don't miss double Olivier Award-winner and RSC Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans' triumphant return to the stage in this "brooding, brutal and brilliant" (Guardian) production of Marlowe’s violent and tender play.

Edward II plays at the Swan Theatre until 5 April.

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MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

It's all kicking off in Messina. The winners are back from the action and a celebrity wedding is on the cards. But not everyone wants the big day to go off without a hitch.

Michael Longhurst, former Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse, directs Freema Agyeman and Nick Blood as the warring lovers, Beatrice and Benedick, set in the world of top-flight football and celebrity culture.

Don't miss the Director Talk on 21 April.

Much Ado About Nothing plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 12 April to 24 May.

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TITUS ANDRONICUS

When victorious general Titus Andronicus executes his enemy’s son in a merciless show of vengeance, he has no idea of the evil his actions will incite.

Director Max Webster examines Shakespeare’s bloodiest play through the lens of 21st century aggression. Olivier, Tony and BAFTA Award winner Simon Russell Beale takes the title role, with Emma Fielding as Marcia Andronicus and Natey Jones as Aaron the Moor.

Find out more at the Director Talk on 25 April.

Titus Andronicus plays at the Swan Theatre from 17 April to 7 June.

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IN LONDON & ON TOUR

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FIRST ENCOUNTERS: THE TEMPEST

A perfect storm brings a feuding family and a king together on a magical island in this 80-minute version of The Tempest, creating the perfect introduction to Shakespeare for young people aged 7-13 and their families.

First Encounters: The Tempest tours theatres, schools and community venues until 10 May.

BOOK NOW LEARNING RESOURCES

 

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BEN AND IMO

Benjamin Britten has just nine months to write a wildly ambitious new opera to celebrate the Coronation of Elizabeth II. Paired with Imogen, force of nature and daughter of Gustav Holst, they must race against the clock to complete the work, a task that will test the very edges of their passionate friendship.

After its acclaimed run in Stratford-upon-Avon, you can now see the original, multi award-winning cast of Samuel Barnett and Victoria Yeates once again in this powerful play directed by Erica Whyman.

Ben and Imo plays at The Orange Tree, London, 19 April to 17 May.

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A man with grey hair, wearing a red and white striped shirt, braces and a lanyard points a gavel at the audience,

KYOTO

April is your last chance to see the Olivier Award-nominated Kyoto, from playwrights Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson, starring Olivier Best Actor in a Supporting Role nominee Jorge Bosch.

This tense and gripping' (Guardian) political thriller from the RSC, Good Chance, Rachel Styne and Jessica Foung seats you at the heart of the 1997 Kyoto Conference, and shows that even in a climate of rapidly rising temperatures, the impossible really can become possible.

Kyoto plays @sohoplace, London, until 3 May.

Book tickets *SOLD OUT*

Returned tickets are periodically added back to the @sohoplace website, so check back daily for any last-minute availability.

 

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MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO

Winner of six Olivier Awards, this "utterly beguiling" (The Stage) staging of the celebrated 1988 Studio Ghibli animated feature has re-opened in the West End, now extending its run until March 2026.

20,000 more tickets have been released at £25 or under, so don't miss the chance to see this “jaw-dropping” (Metro) show.

My Neighbour Totoro is playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, London, until 29 March 2026.

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MATILDA THE MUSICAL

Winner of over 100 international awards, Matilda the Musical has been delighting audiences in London’s West End for more than 13 years. And now, with the first 12 venues announced in its upcoming UK & Ireland Tour, there are now even more opportunities to be revolting.

Inspired by the beloved children's book by Roald Dahl, with original songs by Tim Minchin, meet the extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Matilda the Musical is playing now at the Cambridge Theatre, London, and heads off on its second UK tour in October 2025.

Book London Book UK & Ireland Tour

 

A man in a black suit stands on the deck of a sinking ship, fog behind him, with scenes of chaos playing out behind him

HAMLET 2026 TOUR - ON SALE NOW

Our ‘must-see’ (Guardian) new production of Hamlet is heading to theatres around the UK on a major national tour in 2026, following its critically acclaimed run in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The stellar creative team is led by multi-award-winning director Rupert Goold, whose recent work includes Dear England (National Theatre) and King Charles III (Almeida Theatre).

Hamlet will tour the UK from 25 February to 25 April 2026. The tour cast is yet to be announced. Please check individual venues for booking information.

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SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Join us on Saturday 26 April 2025 for free activities and performances throughout Stratford-upon-Avon to celebrate William Shakespeare's birthday.

Festivities begin with a town-wide parade at 11am, followed by Speaking Shakespeare workshops and a special Shakespeare trail. Nip into the Avonbank Gardens for community pop-up performances and take part free puppet-making workshops - all in celebration of the Bard of Avon.

RSC Friends and their guests are invited to a special Reception event ahead of the parade, to get the party started.

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The Play's The Thing

Thank you to every one of our record-breaking 50,000 visitors to our free exhibition, The Play's The Thing in 2024-25.

The exhibition will now change over to the next rotation of curators, closing on 31 March and re-opening on 26 April, as part of Shakespeare's Birthday celebrations. We can't wait to see you again!

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NEW GUIDED TOURS

New dates have been added to our Theatre, Costume and Scenic Workshop tours, plus we've got some brand new tours ready for spring:

*BRAND NEW* Riverside Tours

From 28 April, join our brand new riverside tour to discover the little-known history of Shakespeare's theatres throughout the centuries while stroll along the Avon. Take in stunning views of the river as you walk alongside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and learn all about its history, from floods to fires, as well as fascinating stories about Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon's theatrical heritage.

*UPDATED* Ghost, Gore and Folklore Tours

New dates have been released for our extremely popular ghost tours, now with a thrilling new name and updated content. Learn all about theatre superstitions and supernatural sightings over our 140+ year history, including ghostly exits and entrances throughout the hidden depths of the Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres. Plus, find out more about how we achieve some of the gory and ghostly effects in our performances.

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LOCAL ACTORS - GET IN TOUCH

Are you a professional actor living within a 25-mile radius of Stratford-upon-Avon? Our Casting team wants to hear from you.

The team will be holding two days of general meetings on 29 and 30 April in Stratford-upon-Avon, in order to expand their knowledge of actors in the area.

To apply, please complete the form via the link below by midday on Sunday 13 April. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Find out more

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EATING IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Easter is on the horizon, which means holidays will be soon upon us. Whether you're visiting for Shakespeare's Birthday celebrations, or taking in one of our new productions, make sure you stop off for refreshment at one of our beautiful cafes and soak in that spring sunshine:

  • The Riverside Cafe is open daily at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, serving takeaway drinks from 9am and open fully from 10am. 
  • Susie's Cafe and Bar is open again at The Other Place, from 10am Tuesday-Saturday with a brand new menu of light bites, cakes, and hot and cold drinks.
  • From Saturday 12 April, enjoy the best of British food in relaxed surroundings overlooking the River Avon at the Riverside Terrace and Bancroft Deck. The deck is new for 2025 and brings a new brunch menu including full English, eggs benedict and American style pancakes as well as a lunch menu of burgers, salads and flatbreads. 

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OWN THE 35-PLAY DVD CANON

Discover the most complete collection of Shakespeare's plays ever to be captured in widescreen, available to pre-order now from our online shop.

Filmed live in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, this collection contains 35 unforgettable productions, with iconic performances by leading actors, including:

  • David Tennant's "mesmerising" Richard II (Guardian)
  • Paapa Essiedu's "utterly engaging performance" as Hamlet (Times)
  • Josette Simon delivering "a Cleopatra to die for" (Observer)
  • Sir Antony Sher's King Lear being hailed as "a crowning achievement in a major career" (Telegraph), and
  • Mathew Baynton's unforgettable Bottom in 2024's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

PRE-ORDER NOW Released on 25 April 2025

RSC DVD 35 Play Collection

COMING VERY SOON...

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MORTON HALL TULIP FESTIVAL

Join us on Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May 2025 for the sixth annual Morton Hall Tulip Festival and help support costume-making at the RSC.

Walk among more than 100 stunning tulip varieties in borders, pots and three cut flower marquees at Morton Hall Gardens, revealing the magic and splendour of the queen of the spring flowers. 

To add to the drama, original costumes from the RSC's stage productions will also be on display, showcasing the incredible skills of the RSC Costume Team. And with all profits from the event going towards costume-making at the RSC, your visit will directly help their creation.

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