As we step nearer to Christmas, our dark and delicious retelling of The Red Shoes opens in the Swan, while Othello continues to enthrall audiences at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre...


SHOWING IN NOVEMBER

	John Douglas Thompson as Othello and Juliet Rylance as Desdemona

OTHELLO

John Douglas Thompson takes the title role opposite Will Keen and Juliet Rylance in Shakespeare's tale of betrayal and jealousy, directed by Tim Carroll.

Take a peek into the rehearsal room with the Assistant Director at our Unwrapped: Othello on 9 November at 10.15am.

Othello plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre until 23 November.

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The Red Shoes rehearsal photos_ October 2024_2024_Photo by Manuel Harlan_383601

THE RED SHOES

When an orphaned young woman is dazzled by a pair of beautiful shoes, she sees the chance to do and be so much more, but soon her feet betray her, taking her to places she does not wish to go.

Playwright Nancy Harris and Director Kimberley Rampersad (Associate Artistic Director of the Shaw Festival, Canada) bring Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairy tale into the 21st century. Don't miss this magical story and cautionary tale of pride, vanity and how we all deserve to dance how we wish to dance.

The Red Shoes plays at the Swan Theatre 2 November 2024 - 19 January 2025

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Lloyd Owen plays Larry Yeates. A man with brown hair and a beard, he wears a pale blue shirt and striped tie and stands with his right arm outstretched.

LAST PERFORMANCES: THE NEW REAL

In a faraway country, a ferocious election is about to be fought, and it's hard to tell what's real and what's fake. Holly Race Roughan (Artistic Director of Headlong) directs the premiere of The New Real, David Edgar’s "sharply topical and beautifully crafted" (The Stage) play about how the political fault-line was redrawn.

The New Real plays at The Other Place until 2 November

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AT THE BARBICAN: THE BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA

Having delighted audiences in the Swan earlier this year, this bright and joyous adaptation of Hanif Kureishi's award-winning coming of age novel novel comes to the Barbican.

Director Emma Rice brings her unique style to this exploration of family, friends, sex, theatre and, ultimately, belonging, in a production that will you leave you ‘on a rare high’ (Telegraph).

The Buddha of Suburbia plays at the Barbican Theatre, London until 16 November.

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SEE FOR FREE

ENCHANTED FOREST AND SHOEMAKER'S TRAIL

If you visit our theatres from 14 November to 13 January, you're in for a big surprise. Colin Richmond’s magical forest from The Red Shoes has escaped the Swan Theatre’s stage and taken root on the ceiling in two wintry woodland scenes, created by associate designer Bethan Wall .

Plus, discover Sylvestor the Shoemaker's favourite footwear from past RSC productions in our free family Shoemaker's trail. Pick up the trail guide from leaflet racks around the Swan and Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

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Family Events_ February Half Term 2015_2015_Photo by Gina Print _c_ RSC_150802 (4)

A POEM FOR HIDDEN VOICES

Our Youth Advisory Board have created a poem to highlight hidden voices and stories from our history.

Working with Director Aaron Parsons and Poet Casey Bailey, young people crafted a collective work inspired by three actors from the global majority who have played a significant role in our history, namely Edric Connor, Paul Robeson and Josette Simon. The group focused particularly on items from our collection relating to these actors, and the time they spent with the RSC.

You can find printed copies of the poem in our Front of House spaces at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, on our digital screen in front of the theatre or you can read it online.

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Image shows the digital display board outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, showing lines from the poem 'Closed Ears' by the RSC Youth Advisory Board and Casey Bailey

AND THERE'S MORE...

NEW MENUS FOR AUTUMN

As the cold weather rolls in, there's nothing better than sitting down for a cosy meal and drinks with friends - especially when there are new menus to be sampled!

The Rooftop Restaurant is excited to announce an array of new menus, including the return of the ever popular Sunday Roast, an updated Pre-Theatre menu and new Light Lunches

They have also launched a brand-new Cocktail menu, developed in-house by our talented team. Chase the autumn blues away with a tropical Kiwi Daiquiri, enjoy an RSC Royale before attending a show, or simply kick back after work with a revamped Whisky Sour - plus there's plenty of delicious mocktails too!

DISCOVER THE MENUS

Colourful drinks

CHRISTMAS IS COMING...

Take the stress out of Christmas - get your gifts, Christmas meals AND your outfits sorted with us!

Costume Hire marketing photos_ 2024_2024_Photo by Sara Beaumont _c_ RSC_376225

CHRISTMAS AT THE RSC Discover a dark fairytale The Red Shoes or drop in on Shakespeare's festive comedy of twins, unrequited love, music and mischief with Twelfth Night.

DINE WITH US Treat yourself to a sumptuous meal at our Rooftop Restaurant. Remember to book your table early to avoid disappointment.

DRESS TO THE NINES Got a fancy Christmas event coming up? From black tie to fancy dress, our Costume Hire service has you sorted (and it's way more affordable than you would think!)

GIFTS FOR ALL Our gift shop at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is the ultimate present destination. From books, DVDs, music and memorabilia, to toys, games and clothing, there's something for every Shakespeare fan. 

GIFT VOUCHERS The perfect present for the person who has everything! RSC gift vouchers can be spent on theatre tickets, tours, RSC Memberships, workshops or programmes.

RSC MEMBERSHIPS From £50, give them the joy of Priority Booking and discounts with an RSC Membership.

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