Adult Leisure Courses
Join fellow life-long learners on one of our adult leisure courses
Everyone feels able to participate whether experienced Shakespearian or beginner.
— Leisure course attendee
So informative, entertaining and enjoyable. This has been great fun.
— Leisure course attendee
Set in historic sites across Stratford-upon-Avon, our adult leisure courses are designed to spark lively conversation and enhance appreciation of Shakespeare’s works, life and times.
Everyone is welcome: from Shakespeare enthusiasts to teachers and lifelong learners with a desire to enhance their knowledge and enjoy good company.
During the day you will discover more about the selected plays, and hear from passionate and accessible speakers on a wide range of Shakespeare-related topics (from theatre history to social history, and beyond).
There are also opportunities to discuss theatre productions and to meet with theatre practitioners to learn more about how Shakespeare's plays move from page to stage.
Take time out to immerse yourself in 'all things Shakespeare' and discover what Shakespeare has to say to you.
Winter School 2025
Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 January 2025
includes performances of The Red Shoes and Twelfth Night (with Samuel West as Malvolio).
This year we will be focusing on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and Hans Christian Andersen's The Red Shoes, as well as exploring questions of editing and adapting works for the stage. As part of our multi-year project, 'The Women Who Made Shakespeare', we will also be shining a spotlight on Shakespeare's women.
Enjoy talks from subject specialists and theatre practitioners, and hear a wide range of thoughts (as well as sharing your own) in our post-performance discussions.
Always lovely to chat to old friends and meet new ones, and the discussion sessions are always lively.
— Course participant 2024
Living Shakespeare 2025
Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 February 2025 includes performances of Hamlet and Edward II.
Join us for a conversation-packed couple of days to explore Shakespeare's Hamlet and Christopher Marlowe's Edward II. Learn more about the plays from our guest speakers Professor Miriam Gilbert (Professor Emerita, University of Iowa) and Dr Anouska Lester (University Of York), as well as from our in-house team of Dr Darren Freebury-Jones, Dr Jennifer Waghorn, and Dr Nick Walton.
Enjoy watching the plays performed on stage and then discuss them the following morning with insights from theatre practitioners. A great opportunity to watch and discuss Shakespeare and Marlowe's work cheek by jowl.
Absolutely brilliant. So much food for thought.
— Leisure course attendee
Superb information and insights.
— Leisure course attendee
The quality of the sessions could not have been higher.
— Leisure course attendee
For further details please email [email protected].