Living Shakespeare Course: April 2026

Set in historic sites across Stratford-upon-Avon, everyone is welcome to our adult leisure courses: from Shakespeare enthusiasts to teachers and lifelong learners with a desire to enhance their knowledge and enjoy good company.

Course attendees will have a chance to explore materials from our world-renowned archive, learn about the impact Shakespeare's works still have upon our world today and share thoughts, opinions and questions with other Shakespeare enthusiasts.

Discover how Shakespeare's 'creative spark' has inspired creativity in others and join in with conversations about how his words and worlds continue to speak to us today.

‘Muse of Fire: Shakespeare’s Historical Imagination’

Shakespeare's imagination had the power to shrink English history and the 'accomplishment of many years' into 'an hourglass' of popular entertainment. Join us to explore how Shakespeare brought his own creative spark to imagining the tales of kings and crowns anew, with a particular focus upon Henry V. Find out more about what inspired Shakespeare and excited his audiences; share your thoughts about ways in which Shakespeare's History plays still speak to us today; and hear from master craftsman Peter McCurdy about the 'imaginary forces' he draws upon to restore Elizabethan timber buildings, including the reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe theatre.

Speakers include:

Rev. Dr Paul Edmondson, Dr Nick Walton and Peter McCurdy (Specialist in the repair and construction of historic timber framed buildings).

Download the course programme >

Booking Information:

• £130 without theatre ticket
• Course places inclusive of a theatre ticket are sold out.

Book your ticket >

This event will take place in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Part of our Lifelong Learning programme.