Shakespeare Unfolded Festival

Shakespeare Unfolded Festival: A celebration of insightful performances and creative exploration at the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall

Coinciding with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)’s tour of Hamlet coming to Nottingham’s Theatre Royal from Tuesday 17 and Saturday 21 March 2026, 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 based here will invite audiences to experience 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