Shakespeare Nation: A Norwich Story
Shakespeare is for everyone.
Throughout the year, in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), we will write, sing, move, and create together a bold new production performed this autumn, telling the untold stories of our communities.
Norwich Theatre is one of six regional theatres to partner with the RSC on Shakespeare Nation. Through Shakespeare Nation, we are reaching out to communities around the county and creating opportunities for people to discover the relevance of Shakespeare’s stories to their lives today. Shakespeare Nation is funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Arts Council England.
Shakespeare Today
April 2025
Our journey starts with a series of free introductory sessions as part of Norwich Theatre’s Shakespeare Saturdays led by RSC practitioners. These workshops introduce or reintroduce Shakespeare’s work in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Everyone is welcome, please explore the full selection below:
Welcome Evening: Shakespeare Nation
Come along and raise a toast to the bard himself on his birthday (23 Apr).
Watch project films, hear stories from past productions, and explore a new exhibition of community stories. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about our plans for the production and how you can get involved and take part as a Citizen Theatre Maker.
Creatives in the Community
Norwich Theatre has collaborated with local artists Katie-anna Whiting (The Whiting’s On The Wall), Daisy Henwood and Lucy Enskat (Hocus Pocus Theatre) to hold creative activities and conversations in community settings including Catton Grove Primary School, The Forum, and the MIND Rest Hub to hear from our communities and create a new collection of Norwich stories from people who work, live and learn in the city.
Join us for our Welcome Evening: Shakespeare Nation (23 April) to see some of these outcomes.
Community Co-production
Join a new creative community this summer and be part of the development of a bold new production!
There are four Citizen Theatre Makers groups open to anyone over 18: Community Folk, a relaxed musical group for all adults, celebrating musical heritage and storytelling through song; Stories in Motion, a movement–based group exploring what happens when culture, tradition, and dance are woven together; Storytellers, a group crafting new narratives through writing and performance; and Women in Shakespeare, a group for women 50+ reclaiming the roles of Ophelia and Gertrude.
All of the groups are completely free to attend but need to be booked. Explore the full selection below:
