Shakespeare Unfolded Festival

The Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Shakespeare Festival
16–21 March 2026

Coinciding with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s tour of Hamlet at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham between 16th and 21st March 2026, Shakespeare Unfolded is a celebration of performance, discussion, and creative exploration. From song, music and workshops to academic insight and open mic nights, the programme invites audiences to experience Shakespeare’s works in fresh, accessible, and thought-provoking ways.

Festival Programme

· Monday 16th March Third Stage 7:30pm-9:30pm – 2 hours 14+
Will and Testament Performance (Theatre Royal Players)

· Tuesday 17th March, Dress Circle Foyer 1pm-2pm – 1 hour 14+
Live at Lunch: Shakespeare on Screen Talk

· Tuesday 17th March, Nelsons Studio, 7pm-9pm – 2 hours 18+
Stagecraft Studio: Dissecting a Scene Workshop

· Wednesday 18th March, Dress Circle Foyer, 12pm-2pm – 2 hours 16+
Live at Lunch: The Merchant of Venice talk in collaboration with the National Holocaust Centre

· Thursday 19th March, Dress Circle Foyer, 12pm-1pm – 1 hour 14+
Live at Lunch. Illustrated talk on Shakespeare’s authorship

· Thursday 19th March, Auditorium
Post-Show Talk with members of the Royal Shakespeare Company Hamlet cast

· Friday 20th March, Upper Circle Foyer, 6pm – 45-60 minutes no age guidance
Pre-show talk on Shakespeare’s Hamlet and this production

· Saturday 21st March, Nelsons 10am-12pm – 2 hours – 18+
Music and Performance Workshop: The Soundtrack of Shakespeare’s Stage

· Saturday 21st March, Nelsons, 7pm-9:30pm – 2.5 hours – 18+
Open Mic Night Impromptu pop-up Shakespeare performances

Throughout the Week
2 Art exhibitions installed in the foyer spaces
Assoc Schools creating props, set and costumes + English and artwork
Heritage Volunteers creating a “Shakespeare at TRCH” showcase
8 Interactive workshops and exploring Shakespeare sessions in schools
Films created by Associate Schools and the Nottingham Rebels to be played out in the foyer spaces
Theatre Tours