Upcoming Events

Touchstone aims to list all Shakespeare-related activity in the UK. Please contact us at touchstone@bham.ac.uk or 0121 414 9525 if you have information that should be listed.

April

9 April. Shakespeare Club, Stratford-upon-Avon. “Music in Shakespeare”. Lecture by composer Ted Walton. 7.45pm. Shakespeare Institute, Mason Croft, Church Street, Annual subscription £15, Occasional Visitors £3, Students free. http://www.stratfordshakespeareclub.org/index.html

17 April. Shakespeare’s Globe. “Sweet Music is Such Art”. Talk by Simon Smith and Keith McGowan. They “lead a musical investigation of Renaissance instruments and musicianship that featured in Shakespeare’s plays and the indoor playhouse.” 7pm. £12/£10 concessions. (020 7401 9919).

19 April. Shakespeare Birthday Lecture. “’An Artistic Director Prepares’: Gregory Doran in conversation with Michael Dobson”. The Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. 4pm. £10. (01789 201 844).

23 April. Shakespearean London Theatres. Victoria and Albert Museum. Launch Event & Introductory Lecture by ShaLT Co-Investigator Professor Andrew Gurr (Reading University). “Why Was the Globe Round?: The ways in which this affected the presentation and hearing of the plays.” 2 – 4:30pm. £5/£3 concessions. Book online or call 020 7942 2211. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/2411/shakespearean-london-theatres-3699/

23 April. Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Director’s Talk. Maria Aberg on As You Like It. “These pre-show, onstage events offer a chance to hear the director in conversation, revealing some of the decisions that have been made in the production.” 5:15pm – 6pm. On stage in the theatre auditorium. £5. (0844 800 1114).

23 April. Museum of London Archaeology. “Shakespeare’s London”. A study day with Julian Bowsher, expert on Shakespearean archaeology and author of the new book Shakespeare’s London Theatreland. £100. Limited to 20 people. Booking through Andante Travels: (01722 713 800). More information: http://www.andantetravels.com/andante-travels-study-days/study-days-3/shakespearean-london.html#itinerary

25 April. Royal National Theatre, Olivier Theatre. NT Platform: Nicholas Hytner discusses his production of Othello. 5:45pm. £4/£3 concessions. (020 7452 3000).

25 April. Shakespeare’s Globe. Professor Ann Thompson, King’s College, London. Setting the Scene: The Tempest. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

28 April. Shakespearean London Theatres. Victoria and Albert Museum. Professor Peter Womack, University of East Anglia. “The People’s Tragic Hero: Hieronimo and the Enduring Popularity of The Spanish Tragedy in the Early London Theatre.” 3 – 4:30pm. £5/£3 concessions. Book online or call 020 7942 2211. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/2411/shakespearean-london-theatres-3699/

29 April. Royal National Theatre, Lyttelton Theatre. NT Platform: Peter Brook. “Peter Brook talks about his interpreting Shakespeare’s works for contemporary audiences.” 6pm. £4/£3 concessions. (020 7452 3000).

May

2 May. Royal National Theatre, Olivier Theatre. NT Platform: Neil MacGregor. “In his book Shakespeare’s Restless World, the Director of the British Museum explores 20 objects to suggest where Shakespeare’s ideas may have originated.” 5:45pm. £4/£3 concessions. (020 7452 3000).

3 – 5 May. Shakespeare’s Globe. Shakespeare, Music and Performance Conference. “Scholars from around the world discuss the music written for Shakespeare’s plays from the 16^th century stage to 21^st century cinema. The conference is curated by this year’s Sam Wanamaker Fellow, David Lindley.” http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/symposia-conferences

5 May. Shakespearean London Theatres. Victoria and Albert Museum. Professor Julie Saunders (University of Nottingham). “Ben Jonson, Bankside and the Blackfriars: A Biography of London Theatre Districts in the 17th Century”. 3 – 4:30pm. £5/£3 concessions. Book online or call 020 7942 2211. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/2411/shakespearean-london-theatres-3699/

8, 15, 18 May. Shakespeare’s Globe. “Talking Theatre: The Tempest”. Post show Q&A with actors and other members from the theatre season.

9 May. Shakespeare’s Globe. Professor Stanley Wells, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Setting the Scene: The Tempest. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

14 May. Shakespeare’s Globe. Dr. Clare McManus, Roehampton University. Setting the Scene: The Tempest. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

28 April. Shakespearean London Theatres. Victoria and Albert Museum. Professor Tiffany Stern, University of Oxford. “’Stuck Up and Down About the City’: Playbills in Shakespeare’s London”. 3 – 4:30pm. £5/£3 concessions. Book online or call 020 7942 2211. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/2411/shakespearean-london-theatres-3699/

23 May. Shakespeare’s Globe. Dr. Charlotte Scott, Goldsmiths, University of London. Setting the Scene: The Tempest. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

24 – 25 May. Royal National Theatre. John Lyon Education Studio. “CPD: Active Shakespeare”. “A two-day course designed for English teachers at KS3 & 4 looking to develop technique and confidence in using drama to teach Shakespeare. This course covers some basic principles for using drama successfully in the English classroom and introduces a series of exercises to explore language, structure and themes that can be adapted for use on any Shakespeare play.” 10am – 5pm. £225. (020 7452 3000).

25 May. Shakespeare’s Globe. Study Day: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “Leading scholars and theatre artists offer historical, practical and theatrical contexts to three of this season’s Shakespeare plays.” 10am – 6pm. £50/£40 concessions. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/study-day

25 May. Royal Shakespeare Company. Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Ruinart Circle Bar. “The Story Garden”. “Join us in the Story Garden on Saturdays throughout the year for a fun and active story. Each session will be on a different tale inspired by Shakespeare and the themes in his plays. 10am – 11am. £3 adults, £2 child. (0844 800 1114).

29 May. Shakespeare’s Globe. “Talking Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Post show Q&A with actors and other members from the theatre season.

29 May – 1 June. Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. “Living Shakespeare Course”. “Gain a greater understanding of of Hamlet, As You Like It and Titus Andronicus with our comprehensive programme of lectures, theatre perfomances and discussions, all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.”  From £133 per person. For details see: http://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit-the-houses/whats-on/series/literary-events/living-shakespeare-course-end-may.html  (01789 207 131 or gennet.rich@shakespeare.org.uk)

30 May. Shakespeare’s Globe. Professor George W Williams, Duke University. Setting the Scene: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

June

1, 5, & 12 June. Shakespeare’s Globe. “Talking Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Post show Q&A with actors and other members from the theatre season.

2 June. Shakespearean London Theatres. Victoria and Albert Museum. Professor Joanne Tompkins, Queensland University. “Virtual Reality and London’s Early Stages: Interacting with The Rose and Boar’s Head Theatres in 3-D”. 3 – 4:30pm. £5/£3 concessions. Book online or call 020 7942 2211. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/2411/shakespearean-london-theatres-3699/

8 June. Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Shakespeare Theatre. “Unwrapped: Hamlet”. “Join members of the Creative Team and Acting Company as they demonstrate some of the skills that go into making the production. Suitable for ages 12 years and up.” 10:30am – 11:30am. £5. (0844 800 1114).

11 June. Shakespeare’s Globe. Professor Peter Holland, University of Notre Dame. Setting the Scene: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

15 June. Shakespeare’s Globe. Study Day: The Tempest. “Leading scholars and theatre artists offer historical, practical and theatrical contexts to three of this season’s Shakespeare plays.” 10am – 6pm. £50/£40 concessions. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/study-day

15 June. Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Shakespeare Theatre. “Unwrapped: As You Like It”. “Join members of the Creative Team and Acting Company as they demonstrate some of the skills that go into making the production. Suitable for ages 12 years and up.” 10:30am – 11:30am. £5. (0844 800 1114).

28 April. Shakespearean London Theatres. Victoria and Albert Museum. Professor Jean E. Howard, Columbia University. “Rich City, Poor City: The Royal Exchange and Debtors’ Prison on the Early Modern Stage”. 3 – 4:30pm. £5/£3 concessions. Book online or call 020 7942 2211. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/2411/shakespearean-london-theatres-3699/

18 July. Royal National Theatre, Olivier Theatre. NT Platform: Walk in the Light Part 2: Onto the Stage...1980-2000: In Conversation. “Two actors talk about their careers and recall their favorite memories of a period that saw the NT’s all-black Measure for Measure, the formation of Talawa, the colour-blind/conscious casting debate and the RSC’s first black Shakespearean king.” 6pm. £4/£3 concessions. (020 7452 3000).

19 July. Royal National Theatre, Olivier Theatre. NT Platform: Walk in the Light Part 3: Into the Spotlight...2000-2013: In Conversation. “Two actors talk about their careers and recall their favourite memories of a period that saw a black Hamlet from Paris, a panto dame at Hackney, a Trigorin at the Court, and actors being lured to Hollywood.” 6pm. £4/£3 concessions. (020 7452 3000).

22 June. Royal Shakespeare Company. Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Ruinart Circle Bar. “The Story Garden”. “Join us in the Story Garden on Saturdays throughout the year for a fun and active story. Each session will be on a different tale inspired by Shakespeare and the themes in his plays. 10am – 11am. £3 adults, £2 child. (0844 800 1114).

24 June. Royal National Theatre, Olivier Theatre. NT Platform: In Conversation with Adrian Lester. “Adrian Lester talks about playing the title role in Othello, and his career. 3pm. £5/£4 concessions. (020 7452 3000).

29 June. Shakespeare’s Globe. “Talking Theatre: The Tempest”. Post show Q&A with actors and other members from the theatre season.

30 June. Shakespearean London Theatres. Victoria and Albert Museum. Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper, Shakespeare’s Globe. “Fashioning the Face: Cosmetics, Glitter and Glamour at the Blackfriars Theatre”. 3 – 4:30pm. £5/£3 concessions. Book online or call 020 7942 2211. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/2411/shakespearean-london-theatres-3699/

July

4 July. Royal National Theatre, Olivier Theatre. Othello Sixth Form Conference. “A conference-style event for sixth form drama and English literature students. A series of five talks and on-stage masterclasses with members of the creative team and acting company”. 10am – 4pm. £7.50 per student. http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/discover/learning-events/othello-sixth-form-conference

4 July. Shakespeare’s Globe. Dr. Jane Kingsley-Smith, Roehampton University. Setting the Scene: Macbeth. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

5 July. Royal National Theatre, Olivier Theatre. NT Platform: Othello on Screen. “Daniel Rosenthal uses clips to explore screen Othellos, from Olivier with the original text, to the Moor reinvented as US high-school basketball star.” 5:45pm. £4/£3 concessions. (020 7452 3000).

6 July. Shakespeare’s Globe. Study Day: Macbeth. “Leading scholars and theatre artists offer historical, practical and theatrical contexts to three of this season’s Shakespeare plays.” 10am – 6pm. £50/£40 concessions. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/study-day

11 July. Shakespeare’s Globe. Dr. Hester Lee-Jefferies, University of Cambridge. Setting the Scene: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

14 July. Shakespearean London Theatres. Victoria and Albert Museum. Professor Martin White, Bristol University. “’When torchlight made an artificial moon’: Light and darkness in the Early Modern Indoor Playhouse, Then and Now”. 3 – 4:30pm. £5/£3 concessions. Book online or call 020 7942 2211. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/2411/shakespearean-london-theatres-3699/

20 July. Royal Shakespeare Company. Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Ruinart Circle Bar. “The Story Garden”. “Join us in the Story Garden on Saturdays throughout the year for a fun and active story. Each session will be on a different tale inspired by Shakespeare and the themes in his plays. 10am – 11am. £3 adults, £2 child. (0844 800 1114).

23 July. Royal National Theatre, Olivier Theatre. NT Platform: RE: Othello. “Laurie Maguire examines the textual history of the play.” 5:45pm. £4/£3 concessions. (020 7452 3000).

24 July. Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Director’s Talk. Nancy Meckler on All’s Well That Ends Well. “These pre-show, onstage events offer a chance to hear the director in conversation, revealing some of the decisions that have been made in the production.” 5:15pm – 6pm. On stage in the theatre auditorium. £5. (0844 800 1114).

25 July. Shakespeare’s Globe. Dr. Lucy Munro, Keele University. Setting the Scene: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

27 July. Royal Shakespeare Company, Swan Theatre. “Unwrapped: Titus Andronicus”. “Join members of the Creative Team and Acting Company as they demonstrate some of the skills that go into making the production. Suitable for ages 12 years and up.” 10:30am – 11:30am. £5. (0844 800 1114).

28 July. Shakespearean London Theatres. Victoria and Albert Museum. Professor Ralph Alan Cohen, Mary Baldwin College & the American Shakespeare Centre. “The New Blackfriars: What an Early Modern Playhouse Teaches Contemporary Theatre”. 3 – 4:30pm. £5/£3 concessions. Book online or call 020 7942 2211. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/2411/shakespearean-london-theatres-3699/

30 July. Shakespeare’s Globe. Dr. Eric Langley, Royal Holloway. Setting the Scene: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

30 July – 2 August. Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. “Living Shakespeare Course”. “Gain a greater understanding of of Hamlet, As You Like It, Titus Andronicus and A Mad World My Masters with our comprehensive programme of lectures, theatre perfomances and discussions, all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.”  From £133 per person. For details see: http://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit-the-houses/whats-on/series/literary-events/living-shakespeare-course-end-july.html  (01789 207 131 or gennet.rich@shakespeare.org.uk)

August

1 August. Royal National Theatre, Olivier Theatre. NT Platform: In Conversation with Rory Kinnear and Lyndsey Marshal. “Rory Kinnear and Lyndsey Marshal, currently appearing in Othello, talk about their roles and their careers.” 3pm. £5/£4 concessions. (020 7452 3000).

7 August. Shakespeare’s Globe. “Talking Theatre: The Tempest”. Post show Q&A with actors and other members from the theatre season.

8 August. Shakespeare’s Globe. Dr Paul Edmondson, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Setting the Scene: Macbeth. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

10 & 17 August. Shakespeare’s Globe. “Talking Theatre: Macbeth”. Post show Q&A with actors and other members from the theatre season.

11 August. Shakespearean London Theatres. Victoria and Albert Museum. Professor Gary Taylor, Florida State University. “1+1=3: Why Shakespeare Collaborated with Other Playwrights”. 3 – 4:30pm. £5/£3 concessions. Book online or call 020 7942 2211. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/2411/shakespearean-london-theatres-3699/

17 August. Royal Shakespeare Company. Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Ruinart Circle Bar. “The Story Garden”. “Join us in the Story Garden on Saturdays throughout the year for a fun and active story. Each session will be on a different tale inspired by Shakespeare and the themes in his plays. 10am – 11am. £3 adults, £2 child. (0844 800 1114).

25 August. Shakespearean London Theatres. Victoria and Albert Museum. Professor Martin Butler, Leeds University. “Exeunt Players: Why did the Playhouses Close?” 3 – 4:30pm. £5/£3 concessions. Book online or call 020 7942 2211. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/2411/shakespearean-london-theatres-3699/

27 August. Shakespeare’s Globe. Dr. Kim Solga, Queen Mary, University of London. Setting the Scene: Macbeth. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

September

7 September. Shakespeare’s Globe. “Talking Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Post show Q&A with actors and other members from the theatre season.

19 September. Shakespeare’s Globe. Professor Russ McDonald, Goldsmiths, University of London. Setting the Scene: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

21 September. Royal Shakespeare Company. Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Ruinart Circle Bar. “The Story Garden”. “Join us in the Story Garden on Saturdays throughout the year for a fun and active story. Each session will be on a different tale inspired by Shakespeare and the themes in his plays. 10am – 11am. £3 adults, £2 child. (0844 800 1114).

21 September. Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Shakespeare Theatre. “Unwrapped: All’s Well That Ends Well”. “Join members of the Creative Team and Acting Company as they demonstrate some of the skills that go into making the production. Suitable for ages 12 years and up.” 10:30am – 11:30am. £5. (0844 800 1114).

25 September. Shakespeare’s Globe. “Talking Theatre: Macbeth”. Post show Q&A with actors and other members from the theatre season.

26 September. Shakespeare’s Globe. Professor Robert Shaughnessy, University of Kent. Setting the Scene: Macbeth. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

October

1 October. Shakespeare’s Globe. Dr. Emma Smith, University of Oxford. Setting the Scene: Macbeth. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

3 October. Shakespeare’s Globe. Professor Tom Healy, University of Sussex. Setting the Scene: Macbeth. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

9 October. Shakespeare’s Globe. “Talking Theatre: Macbeth”. Post show Q&A with actors and other members from the theatre season.

10 October. Shakespeare’s Globe. Professor Michael Dobson, Shakespeare Institute. Setting the Scene: Macbeth. “Leading scholars provide introductions to the evening play, illustrated by Globe actors.”  6pm. Book online: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/events/pre-post-show/setting-the-scene

26 October. Royal Shakespeare Company. Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Ruinart Circle Bar. “The Story Garden”. “Join us in the Story Garden on Saturdays throughout the year for a fun and active story. Each session will be on a different tale inspired by Shakespeare and the themes in his plays. 10am – 11am. £3 adults, £2 child. (0844 800 1114).