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The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) today releases full details of its May Half Term activities for families and young people, many of which are free. Brimming with engaging workshops and events, there's something to delight everyone, from aspiring actors, to imaginative crafters and inquisitive minds.
In addition, award winning writer and performer Tim Crouch brings his one man show I, Peaseblossom - a joyous take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream for families and young people – to the Swan Theatre for a limited run.
I, Peaseblossom
This captivating one-man show revisits A Midsummer Night’s Dream through the fevered imagination of the Bard’s most overlooked fairy. Written and performed by the multi-award-winning theatre maker Tim Crouch, this wildly inventive production combines humour, heartbreak and a touch of madness to create a gloriously anarchic take on one of Shakespeare’s most beloved works which is perfect for all the family.
Swan Theatre, Wed 28 to Sat 31 May, 10.30am and 2.30pm, Suitable for ages 7+
Running time: 60 minutes, no interval. Book tickets here or by calling 01789 331111
Collonnade Installation
Situated in the foyer between the RST and the Swan theatre, a stunning new installation by artist Lisa Curtis is set to transform the colonnade into a vibrant celebration of colour, imagination, and playfulness.
This large, suspended inflatable artwork, complemented by matching floor vinyl, is free for all to see and is inspired by the RSC’s summer family production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, running in The Other Place from August 4 to 31. Supported by Designs in Air, the installation invites young people and families on an engaging journey through the themes of the play and Shakespeare’s imagined Italy as part of the RSC’s yearly programme focused on playfulness and imagination.
Available during building opening hours, from May to September, RST Colonnade (front-of-house space between RST and Swan), FREE.
How to make costume accessories
Learn how to make your very own costume accessories, using recycled fabrics and materials from the RSC stage. Taking inspiration from our many designs, you'll make your own creation to play with at home.
Tuesday 27 May from 10am to 12pm, Welcome Space, Level 2, Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Suitable for ages 5+ Children must be accompanied by their parent/carer, FREE.
Costume Quick Change
Actors often make very quick costume changes - come and have a go! Try on costumes and learn how to change into a new one as quickly as possible with behind-the-scenes tips and tricks - can you set the fastest time?
Tuesday 27 May from 2pm to 5pm, Welcome Space, Level 2, Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Suitable for ages 5+ Children must be accompanied by their parent/carer, FREE.
Sensory Stay and Play: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Explore the worlds of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in these free drop-in stay and play sessions. Through textures, sounds and smells, you will explore and imagine you are in the woods of this enchanting play.
Thursday 29 May from 10am to 12pm & 2pm to 4pm, Welcome Space, Level 2, Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Suitable for ages 0 - 4 years. Children must be accompanied by their parent/carer, FREE.
Playful Shakespeare
Join a workshop on the hour, for an hour, to play with a scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Using rehearsal games and props, you'll work together to become your very own company of actors.
11am - Act 1: Become the King and Queen of the fairies
12pm - Act 2: Get lost in the woods with four friends
2pm - Act 3: Everyone is reunited – time for a party
3pm - Act 4: Create the play within a play, as the Mechanicals
Friday 30 May, Welcome Space, Level 2, Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Suitable for ages 5+
Children must be accompanied by a parent/carer, FREE
Sharing Shakespeare
Come back and share what you’ve made during the week. Celebrate your creations and bring together the amazing playful and imaginative work from throughout the week. Anyone who has taken part in an activity or workshop is welcome to return with their parents/carer.
Friday 30 May from 4pm to 5pm, Welcome Space, Level 2, Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Suitable for all ages, Children must be accompanied by a parent/carer, FREE
Costume Making Masterclass
Calling all budding costume designers - design and create your own costume for one of Shakespeare characters from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Friday 30 May, 10:30am to 3:30pm, Clore Learning Centre. Drop-off workshop, suitable for ages 8-14.
Book your ticket here
Family Storytelling
Storytelling is central to all that we do at the RSC, and in this fun, bitesize session, we'll introduce you to the world of Shakespeare. Take a journey through Shakespeare’s plays with a mixture of actor-led storytelling, drama games and play.
Wednesday 28 May from 10:30am to 11:20am and 12pm to 12:50pm, Clore Learning Centre.
Suitable for ages 4-8. Please book a ticket for all attending. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 per adult, £4 per child.
Book a ticket here
Family Puppetry
Over our long history, the RSC has used puppets in various productions, and many of them are made in Stratford! In this session, learn to make and operate your very own puppets inspired by characters from Shakespeare. Perfect for those looking for a fun family workshop, who want to learn more about the making and mechanics of puppetry.
Thursday 29 May from 11am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm. Clore Learning Centre, Suitable for ages 5+
Please book a ticket for all attending. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 per adult, £4 per child. Book a ticket here
Workshops for young people
Perfect for budding young theatre makers who want to act, make, or brush up on their writing and animation skills! All workshops are drop-off sessions at The Clore Learning Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Ages 8 to 11 sessions include:
Act Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Tuesday 27 May, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Act Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing - Tuesday 27 May, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Stop Motion Animation Workshop - Wednesday 28 May, 11am to 4pm
Write Like Shakespeare Workshop - Friday 30 May, 11am to 12:30pm
Book your ticket here
Ages 11 to 14 sessions include:
Act Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Wednesday 28 May, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Act Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing - Wednesday 28 May, 10:30am to 3:30pm
Stop Motion Animation Workshop - Tuesday 27 May, 11am to 4pm
Write Like Shakespeare Workshop - Friday 30 May, 1:30pm to 3pm
Book your tickets here
Ages 14 – 18 session:
Act Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream -Thursday 29 May, 10:30am to 3:30pm
Book your tickets here