Between Mon 16 – Sat 21 March Nottingham's Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall will be hosting a free festival of performances, workshops, academic insight and open mic nights; inviting audiences to experience William Shakespeare’s classic works in new ways...
Coinciding with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)’s tour of Hamlet coming to Nottingham, the Shakespeare Unfolded Festival will be a week-long celebration of performance, discussion, and creative exploration. From performances and workshops to academic insight and open mic nights, the programme of free events will invite audiences to experience and discover Shakespeare’s works in fresh, accessible, and thought-provoking ways.
Rebecca Morris, the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall (TRCH)’s Heritage and Learning Partnerships Manager, said:
“Shakespeare Unfolded is about opening up Shakespeare’s work and inviting people to explore it with curiosity, confidence, and creativity. By offering a festival of participatory and performance events during the run of the RSC’s Hamlet, we’re using this moment to turn the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall into a lively hub of debate, creativity and exploration.
"Shakespeare is deeply embedded in our cultural fabric, yet his work can sometimes feel distant or intimidating, and this festival creates space both for those who already love the plays and for those who are curious to discover whether Shakespeare might speak to them, too. We’re also delighted to be able to offer these events to our audiences at no cost, thanks to our partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company and funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.”
Throughout the Week
- Two art exhibitions installed in the Theatre Royal’s foyer spaces
- An exhibition of artwork created in response to Shakespeare by students from the venue’s Associate Schools
- A display of artefacts and timelines featuring Shakespeare throughout the venue’s history led by heritage volunteers
- Interactive workshops and exploring Shakespeare sessions in schools
- Films created by Associate Schools and the Nottingham Rebels to be played out across the week in the venue’s foyer spaces
The public festival programme includes
Will and Testament
7pm, Monday 16 March
Theatre Royal Dress Circle Foyer
Age Guidance 14+
Booking required (free)
A lively and accessible new play that charts Shakespeare’s life story through his own words. Narrated by the man himself, Will and Testament blends storytelling, humour, and scenes from his most iconic works to offer a fresh and engaging introduction to his world. Designed for newcomers to Shakespeare and long-time aficionados alike. Performed by the Theatre Royal Players and directed by Rebecca Morris
Shakespeare On Screen
1pm, Tuesday 17 March
Theatre Royal Dress Circle Foyer
Age Guidance 18+
Booking required (free)
A talk delivered by George Lamb exploring how Shakespeare’s plays have been transformed for film; from faithful adaptations to bold, modern reimagining. This talk delves into the creative choices, cinematic techniques, and cultural impact that make Shakespeare on screen a fascinating and enduring phenomenon.
RSC Hamlet
Tues 17 - Sat 21 March, 7pm (every night) and 2pm (Thurs and Sat only)
Theatre Royal
Age guidance 9+, but under 14's must be acompannied by an adult
Booking required (tickets from £21)
The Royal Shakespeare Company returns to Nottingham with a ‘must-see’ (Guardian) new production of Hamlet. Hamlet’s mother has married his uncle, and at a less than decent interval since the death of his father. As he pulls at the threads of his not-so-happy new family, Hamlet unravels a web of deceit and immorality that leads to the ultimate crisis of conscience.
Stagecraft Studio: Dissecting a Scene
7-9pm, Tuesday 17 March
Nelsons Studio
Age Guidance 18+
Booking required (free)
A practical workshop led by Peter Bradley rooted in rehearsal-room technique and practical pedagogy. Participants will explore key scenes from Hamlet using hands-on methods designed to unlock the text’s energy, rhythm, and emotional dynamics. Ideal for theatre lovers, students, and curious minds. No experience or knowledge of the play required.
The Merchant of Venice: A 21st Century Conversation
Midday-2pm, Wednesday 18 March
Theatre Royal Dress Circle Foyer
Age Guidance 14+
Booking required (free)
This thought-provoking talk explores The Merchant of Venice through the lens of contemporary Jewish experience and Holocaust education. Featuring Emily Kelsey, senior educator at NHCM, and Rebecca Morris, Shakespeare practitioner at TRCH, the discussion will examine how we approach complex texts in modern contexts. This event is in collaboration with the National Holocaust Centre and Museum (NHCM).
Hamlet in Context: Academic Perspectives
Midday-1pm, Thursday 19 March
Theatre Royal Dress Circle Foyer
Age Guidance 14+
Booking required (free)
A Live at Lunch talk exploring the impact of the printing press and debates around Shakespeare’s authorship. Delivered by Dr Amy Bromilow, this session offers insight into how Shakespeare’s works were published, circulated, and questioned — from early quartos to modern controversies.
Pre-Show Talk: RSC’s Hamlet
6pm, Friday 20 March
Theatre Royal Upper Circle Foyer
Age Guidance 14+
Booking required (free)
Join Dr Amy Bromilow for a pre-show discussion ahead of the RSC’s performance of Hamlet. Gain insight into the production’s themes, direction, and interpretation.
The Soundtrack of Shakespeare’s Stage
10am, Saturday 21 March
Nelsons Studio
Age Guidance 18+
Booking required (free)
Step into the world of Elizabethan theatre and explore the songs woven into Shakespeare’s plays. In this interactive workshop, led by singing coach and theatre director George Lamb, you’ll uncover how music shaped the drama, examine the role of lyrics in storytelling, and experience how productions across the centuries have brought these moments to life. Perfect for actors, singers, and anyone curious about the music of Shakespeare’s stage. No prior experience required—just bring your voice and enthusiasm.
Shakespeare Open Mic Night
7pm, Saturday 21 March
Nelsons Studio
Age Guidance 18+
Booking required (free)
An informal evening of Shakespearean performance; sonnets, speeches, scenes and surprises. Whether you're a seasoned actor or a first-time reader, come and share your favourite lines in a relaxed and supportive setting.
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