Infinite Variety

The female characters in William Shakespeare’s plays are some of the most fascinating and enduring parts he wrote. At this new exhibition at Shakespeare's New Place, four of the most compelling characters are explored to help us better understand representations of womanhood in the 16th century and today.

Discover how Shakespeare shared his vision of a woman with audiences. Powerful, loving, vengeful and calming. These characters are examples of well-rounded, complex people in a time when women were barred from performing.

Focusing on four iconic characters, you will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating stories behind these female protagonists and see the wonderful costumes worn in RSC productions in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Female Characters in Focus:

• Titania, the Fairy Queen – Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2016 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, costume worn by Ayesha Dharker
• Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile – Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2017 production of Antony and Cleopatra, costume worn by Josette Simon
• The imposing Lady Macbeth – Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2018 production of Macbeth, costume worn by Niamh Cusack
• The Lady of Distain, Beatrice – Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2022 production of Much Ado About Nothing, costume worn by Akiya Henry

Items from our world-class collection will also be on display, helping to tell the wider story of the world in which these characters were created.

Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words opens on Saturday 26 April until Sunday 2 November 2025 at Shakespeare’s New Place and is included in your Shakespeare’s Story or Shakespeare New Place admission ticket.