Now this one is a belter. Controversial? Oh certainly. Complex? Deeply. Funny? Very. Heartbreaking? Like you wouldn’t believe. Over the years The Merchant of Venice has been banned from teaching systems, performed by Nazis and translated into Yiddish. It has been embraced, rejected, used as a weapon and as a balm. Come and find out what you think.

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. As You Like It whisks you off into the Forest of Arden for some tomfoolery and japes, but also, as ever, some musings on the human condition. Shakespeare takes his comedy very seriously. Come and see what we mean.

*Photo credit: Shakespeare’s Globe.

Photography: Johan Persson
Art Direction: Louise Richardson

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. As You Like It whisks you off into the Forest of Arden for some tomfoolery and japes, but also, as ever, some musings on the human condition. Shakespeare takes his comedy very seriously. Come and see what we mean.

*Photo credit: Shakespeare’s Globe.

Photography: Johan Persson
Art Direction: Louise Richardson

Whether or not you have ever read this play, you no doubt know some of the lines; "A pair of star crossed lovers”, “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” and will probably have some sort of balcony and Leonardo DiCaprio floating around your head. This is one of those plays that’s so famous it’s easy to miss quite how good and quite how radical it is. Come and challenge what you think you know about this spectacular tragedy.

Iiiiit’s a classic! You probably performed in it at school, you know the story and the characters; lovers get mixed up, drugs, a goddess falls in love with an ass, sure, but do you really know what lies behind the laughter and mayhem? This magical play is endlessly underestimated. Come and peel back the layers and fully experience the depth of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. You’ll thank yourself.

*Photo credit: Shakespeare’s Globe.
Photography: Johan Persson
Art Direction: Irene Omodeo Zorini

FWS is going adventuring! It’s only right and fitting for this Romance that nimbly crosses oceans and time. Come and be swept away by ancient kings, wicked step mothers, poison, not-poison, ill-advised wagers and some classic cross dressing from the comfort of Claire’s Islington home. Then we strike out to Shakey’s home town of Stratford Upon Avon to watch the RSC do what it does best.

Don’t know Cymbeline? You’re not the only one! This late play is not often studied and, relative to some of his blockbusters, is a rarely performed Shakespeare play. Come and be one the the clever few to appreciate its charms. Think ancient kings, wicked step mothers, poison, not-poison, adventure, rescue, long lost siblings and romance…it’s a goodie!