The Royal Shakespeare Company is offering families a variety of events in Stratford over the summer, including free, live open-air theatre and after-dark tours of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
One of the highlights will be next Sunday (21 June) when independent theatre-makers will perform a range of pieces on the Royal Shakespeare’s Bancroft Terrace and in the Swan Gardens from 11AM until 4PM.
Each production lasts between 10 and 20 minutes and will be repeated throughout the afternoon. All are works in progress and are inspired by Shakespeare’s words and stories.
Families can enjoy free theatre at The Dell, the RSC’s open-air space, on Saturdays and Sundays until the end of August. Amateur, semi-professional and college groups will perform plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
There will be an opportunity to see the RSC’s technical team transform the set from one play to another in under two hours and learn more about how the set, stage and lighting changes for each production. Open changeovers will reveal how Othello turns into The Merchant of Venice and vice versa. The cost is £5 per session and advance booking is required. Dates are available at the RSC’s web site.
The oldest parts of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre will be revealed along with a few spooky stories, including the tale of the grey lady, in After Dark Tours. The cost is £6 for adults and £4 for youngsters under 18.