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April
With April, Spring is in the air. Stratford really comes to life with a wide range of events and activities, crowned by our William Shakespeare Parade. The celebrations are usually held on the Saturday nearest to 23rd April, Shakespeare's birthday.
The traditional core events are: a procession to lay floral tributes on William Shakespeare's tomb, a birthday luncheon at which toasts are made to the Immortal Memory of William Shakespeare and to The Theatre, and, in the evening, a birthday performance of one of his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
The Events
April 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 | RSC - The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich or The Beau Defeated 01789 403493 Mrs Rich, a wealthy widow, aspires to rub shoulders with the great and good and perhaps even gain a title. Unfortunately, shes not the only one after Sir John Roverhead! Mary Pixs comedy of manners combines mischief-making and mind-bending plot twists with a distinctly female wit. Will Mrs Rich ever squeeze her way into high society? |
April 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, | RSC - Macbeth 01789 403493 Returning home from battle, the victorious Macbeth meets three witches on the heath. Driven by their disturbing prophecies, he sets out on the path to murder. Shakespeares darkest psychological thriller marks both Christopher Ecclestons RSC debut and the return of Niamh Cusack to the Company. |
Apr 6, 7, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 20, 24, 25, 28, 30 | RSC - The Duchess of Malfi 01789 403493 In an attempt to prevent the fiercely independent Duchess from marrying the man she loves, her corrupt brothers go on a disturbing quest to destroy her. Remarkable for its inventive and grotesque violence, yet full of dark humour, this violent revenge tragedy asks how anyone can survive in a world where masculinity has become toxic. |
April 7th and 21st | Farmers Market 01789 608108 First and third Saturdays in Rother Street Twice a month, throughout the year, local farmers and businesses display and sell their produce. Fresh Meats, Organic vegetables, Eggs, Cheese, freshly baked Bread and cakes can be found. Other items such as Wine, Confectionery, Jams and Pickles and not forgetting our regular hot food stand with their outdoor bred roasted pork, bacon or sausage all locally sourced. Seasonal indoor and outdoor plants are available along with flowers for that special occasion. Also take a stroll around the weekly Craft market that runs alongside the farmers market. Unusual items and gifts can be found from the many local traders to found here weekly. The Farmers market is held on the first and third Saturday of every month and is open between 9.00am and 2.00/3.00pm. |
April 11 | Alex Hitchcock Quintet 01789 207100 London born Saxophonist Alex Hitchcock offers some fresh talent to the scene. Featuring a young band and bags of energy this up and coming musician will entertain with his new compositions and post bop tenor. |
April 17th 7.30pm | Debussy and Rodrigo 01789 207100 An opportunity to commemorate the centenary of Debussy's death (25 March 1918) with his enchanting 'Children's Corner' and 'Petite Suite'. Rodrigo's Guitar Concerto is deservedly popular and we are joined by OOTS Associate Artist Pedro H. da Silva to perform this masterpiece. |
April 20th | The Bards Night 01789 207100 A feast of an evening celebrating the life and work of William Shakespeare. Wining and dining, words and music, singing and dancing. Launched in 2017 to great acclaim, the Bards Night has quickly established itself as the place to be on the eve of the annual birthday celebrations in Stratford, and has been formally added to the official programme for the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations. The second Bards Night celebration will take place on 20th April 2018 at Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon-Avon. |
April 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30 | RSC - Romeo and Juliet 01789 403493 Set in a world very like our own, this Romeo and Juliet is about a generation of young people born into violence and ripped apart by the bitter divisions of their parents. The most famous story of love at first sight explodes with intense passion and an irresistible desire for change, but leads all too quickly to heartbreaking consequences. |
April 22 |  Shakespeares Birthday Celebrations 01789 269332 Shakespeares Birthday Celebrations 2018 organised by Shakespeares Celebrations, the initiative jointly led by Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council, will include many of the traditional features we have come to love and cherish since the first Celebrations in 1824.
All the usual participants will be there, among them civic dignitaries, VIPs and invited guests from the worlds of literature and theatre, students of Shakespeares school and characters in period dress, marching bands and local schoolchildren making their way through the streets towards Holy Trinity Church. |
April 25th | John Law Quartet 01789 207100 Stratford Jazz - Riverside |
April 26th - 1.30pm and 4.30pm | Sarah & Duck's Big Top Birthday 01789 207100 The enchanting world of Sarah and Duck is brought to life in a brand-new stage show, featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show. Jo in Sarah and Duck and a host of your favourite friends including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shalots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella, as they plan a birthday party for Scarf Lady in their garden. Told through a fantastic blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah and Ducks Big Top Birthday will take you and your children on a magical adventure. |