Festival Week 2027: 20-25 April
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Macbeth: 18-21 November, 2026
In this brand new version of Shakespeare’s famous Scottish play, join us to experience Wild Thyme Theatre’s cast of three actors move between a range of courtly, soldierly and other-worldly characters. Intimately set within the ancient walls of Exeter’s St Nicholas Priory, the production take us on an exciting journey through time along the blood-stained path to power.
Double Double Toil And Trouble – Herbology Lessons
… learn about natural remedies. In the setting of the medieval kitchen and wearing cloaks throughout the experience, participants will learn how to identify plants and make herbal drawings, understand famous Shakespearean references and discuss how to keep a mandrake from screaming (noisy little thing!).
Teaching Shakespeare with film, 19 January 2027
Offered in partnership with Into Film and the South West Shakespeare Festival, this CPD event invites educators to explore the power of teaching Shakespeare through film. Suitable for both primary and secondary educators, this interactive, hands-on session will guide you through practical analysis and film-making activities that develop students’ comprehension, oracy and critical thinking skills. We’ll explore how film can help unlock challenging Shakespearean language, enabling students to make meaningful connections between the plays as text, performance and film.
Check out below what we got up to during Festival Week 2026
Relevant. Accessible. Human. There is lots to discover.
Thank you for a fabulous festival week 2026!
Relevant. Accessible. Human.
Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice
Join us for this performance of Shakespeare’s rarely performed play with a full, professional cast in one of Exeter’s Elizabethan town houses (St Nicholas Priory).
Wild Thyme Theatre
Sold out.
Friday, 24th April, 7:30pm, St Nicholas Priory
If Music Be The Food of Love
This thoughtfully curated concert weaves together well-loved and rarely heard arias inspired by Shakespeare’s plays.
Iryna Ilnytska (mezzo-soprano), Alex Wilson (piano)
Sold out.
Saturday, 25th April, 7:30pm, St Nicholas Priory
“Live” Shakespeare Transformed For The Screen
This lecture by Prof Pascale Aebischer takes us through the backstage and offscreen decision-making processes that re-shape theatrical productions of Shakespeare’s plays for present-day screen audiences.
Sold out.
Saturday, 25th April, 2:30pm, St Nicholas Priory
Shakespeare And His Contemporaries
Discover Shakespeare’s Folio and works of his contemporaries in the Exeter Cathedral Archives.
Click here for more info and to book your free space.
Sold out.
Friday, 24th April, 10-2pm
Shakespeare’s Diet: Elizabethan Food
This practical demonstration in the kitchens of a rich Elizabethan merchant will allow us a glimpse of what Shakespeare and his contemporaries would have eaten.
Sunday, 26th April, drop in between 1:30-3:30pm, St Nicholas Priory, free entry.
“Shakespeare on Screen”: A Special Display
Explore some of the most fascinating items in the collection of the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum. From Henry V to Hamlet, Olivier to Branagh, it’s all here for you to discover.
Monday, 20th April to Sunday, 26th April, 10-5pm, free entry
“Illustrating Shakespeare”
Visit the Devon and Exeter Institution library to see Victorian books and periodicals featuring beautiful illustrations based on Shakespeare’s works.
Saturday, 25th April, drop in between 12-2pm, free
Much Ado About Medicine
Visit the Devon and Exeter Medical Heritage Trust to explore health, disease and medicine in Shakespeare and Elizabethan society through a display of historic objects and behind-the-scenes work.
Saturday, 25th April, 11-2pm Exeter Community Centre, free drop-in.
“Impressions of Venice”
To get into the mood, join us for our pre-show exhibition “Impressions of Venice” in the Undercroft of St Nicholas Priory by art historian and artist Dr Sarah Spencer.
24th and 25th April, St Nicholas Priory, pre-show and intro talk, included in your ticket.
Campfire Shakespeare Special
Rise to our challenge and put pen to paper for this special edition of Campfire! The evening’s provocation is “Where shall we three meet again” and anyone interested in presenting their contributions can attend.
22nd April, 7:00pm, The Mermaid, Exeter. Sold out.
South West Shakespeare Festival at Exeter Picturehouse
Exeter Picturehouse is bringing back this year’s favourite film – Hamnet! If you haven’t seen it or want to see it again, our festival is your chance to catch up on this film that goes against all conventions.
23rd April, 14:00 26th April, 17:15
Pop-up Poetry with Harula Ladd
Meet pop-up poet Harula in the Elizabetha parlour before the performance of “The Merchant of Venice”.
Watch Harula at work here.
24th April, St Nicholas Priory, pre-show, included in your ticket.
Young Poet Awards
Ever tried your hand at writing a poem? Let Shakespeare inspire you. Open to anyone 8-12 years of age. Free entry.
Entries are now closed. The winning entries will be displayed at Exeter Library from 22-26 April.
During February half-term, our friends at Alibi had a postbox. We’d like to thank our partner schools West Exe, Bowhill and Montgomery for collaborating with us.
Consider Sponsorship
Supporting the festival is a powerful way to align your organisation with cultural access, education and community engagement across the South West.
Do get in touch to explore options.
Thank You
We would like to thank Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, Exeter City Council and Creation Graphics for their generous support.
Want to contribute to our festival in 2027?
Get in touch with your proposal here. Festival dates 23rd to 25th April, 2027.