Shaking It Up
22nd to 26th April
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
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)
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.
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.
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, 9-5pm, 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, 7:30pm, The Mermaid, Exeter. Book your free ticket here!
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. We’ll announce the winner in 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.