At Norwich Theatre, we absolutely love Shakespeare! His tales of love, death, and everything in between are as relevant today as they were when written.
The timeless nature of his storytelling means Shakespeare’s works have inspired countless adaptations and influenced many forms of creative performance and expression.
Today was the day, he was born and died in honour of this we are celebrating the Bard and the many adaptations of and creative approaches to his work.
Whether you prefer dance, your Shakespeare a little bit shorter, performed by a legend, or while slightly inebriated, Norwich Theatre has a version for you.
Romeo and Juliet | 14 – 18 May | Norwich Theatre Royal
In the ultimate tale of forbidden love, two young people risk everything to be together. With glorious dancers, eye-catching sets and Prokofiev’s timeless score performed live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia at every performance, this is ballet at its most dramatic, romantic and intense.
Want an insight into what it takes to take a touring ballet company on the road? Northern Ballet Revealed (16 May) will give a sneak peek at the costumes, props, and stage secrets of this company.
The HandleBards: The Comedy of Errors | 25 May | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
This remarkable company brings an environmental ethos to its work, making Shakespeare sustainable by cycling between venues with costumes, props and sets in tow. When two sets of estranged twins are brought together on the same island, this classic comedy is told with the HandleBards signature pace and wit.
440 Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night, A Shakespeare Double Bill | 6 Jul | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Experience the hilarity of two of the Bard’s best comedies condensed into short, side-splitting shows. In a mere 40 minutes each, they distil the essence of Shakespeare’s masterpieces into uproarious performances. Prepare for an unforgettable night of laughter with a British Seaside Twist!
Player Kings | 17 – 20 Jul | Norwich Theatre Royal
Star of stage and screen Ian McKellen plays Falstaff in a new version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, adapted by the award-winning writer and director Robert Icke. Bringing together Shakespeare’s two great history plays (Henry IV, parts 1 and 2) into the theatrical event of the season, Player Kings will reign over Norwich Theatre Royal for one week only.
& Juliet | 30 Jul – 3 Aug | Norwich Theatre Royal
Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including Britney Spears’…Baby One More Time, Katy Perry’s Roar and other chart-topping hits. The only thing tragic would be missing it.
Sh!t-faced Shakespeare ® A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 3 Nov | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Each night, a rotating cast member will get genuinely spiffingly splifficated and attempt to perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream as you have never seen before. Making for a different show every night. Nobody (not even the cast) knows in which direction the show will stumble. Come and get fuddled in the forest with us!
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
