Around the Globe
Around the “Globe”. I crack myself up! Because, obviously the greatest Shakespeare venue of all is THE Globe in London – The Bard’s own home turf. But, there are many other great places to find Shakespeare, so grab your kids and get them out there to see some LIVE theater! (click here for a list of Shakespeare festivals in the USA)
Europe: The Heart of Shakespeare’s Legacy
Europe is home to several iconic Shakespeare festivals, venues, and celebrations, each one drawing thousands of visitors from across the globe.
1. The Globe Theatre (London, UK)
Arguably the most famous Shakespearean venue in the world, the Globe Theatre in London offers year-round performances of Shakespeare’s plays in an authentic Elizabethan setting. The Globe also hosts the Globe to Globe festival, which features international Shakespeare productions, allowing audiences to experience Shakespeare’s work through a variety of cultural lenses.
2. Royal Shakespeare Company (Stratford-upon-Avon, UK)
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon (Willy’s birthplace!) is dedicated to bringing Shakespeare’s works to life. As one of the most prestigious theater companies globally, the RSC offers a mix of traditional and contemporary Shakespeare performances and hosts various festivals throughout the year.
3. Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations (Stratford-upon-Avon, UK)
Every year in April, Stratford-upon-Avon celebrates Shakespeare’s birth with parades, performances, and readings. It’s a lively event that draws visitors from all over the world, paying tribute to the man whose work changed the landscape of English literature. (quick trivia: When is Shakespeare’s birthday? Hint: it’s the same as his death day!)
4. Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival (Gdańsk, Poland)
Held annually in Gdańsk, Poland, the Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival showcases a variety of Shakespeare performances, often featuring international companies. The festival is known for its open-air performances and its focus on diverse, contemporary interpretations of the Bard’s plays.
5. Shakespeare Festival at Hamlet’s Castle (Helsingør, Denmark)
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, Denmark—famously known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet—this festival is a unique opportunity to enjoy performances of the Bard’s works within the very castle associated with one of his most famous plays.
Asia: A Fusion of Cultures
Shakespeare’s works have traveled far and wide, inspiring adaptations and performances across Asia, where both local and international talents bring the Bard’s plays to new audiences.
6. Shakespeare in the Park (Singapore)
Every year, Singapore hosts Shakespeare in the Park, a free outdoor festival where audiences can enjoy Shakespeare’s plays in the beautiful natural surroundings of the city’s parks and gardens. The festival often features local productions, providing a fresh perspective on the Bard’s timeless work.
7. Shakespeare Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)
In Japan, the annual Shakespeare Tokyo festival features unique, Japanese interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays. The festival is known for its cross-cultural performances and innovative adaptations that blend traditional Japanese theater with Western-style performances.
Australia and Oceania: Celebrating Shakespeare Down Under
Australia and Oceania also host incredible Shakespeare festivals that offer both traditional and modern takes on the Bard’s works.
8. Melbourne Shakespeare Festival (Melbourne, Australia)
Melbourne’s Shakespeare Festival is a vibrant event that showcases a range of performances of Shakespeare’s plays, including both traditional productions and modern interpretations. The festival emphasizes accessibility, often offering free events to ensure that everyone can experience the magic of Shakespeare.
9. Brisbane Shakespeare Festival (Brisbane, Australia)
The Brisbane Shakespeare Festival is a community-driven celebration of Shakespeare, where performances are often held outdoors in public spaces. With a focus on making Shakespeare accessible to all, the festival has become a beloved annual event in the city.
International Shakespeare Festivals
Shakespeare’s reach goes beyond the boundaries of the English-speaking world. Here are a few festivals outside of the traditional English-speaking countries that highlight global appreciation for the Bard.
10. Shakespeare and Cervantes Festival (Guanajuato, Mexico)
Held in Guanajuato, Mexico, this unique festival celebrates both William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. With a focus on cross-cultural performances, the festival features international theater companies performing works by both literary giants. The UK will be the guest country in 2025, bringing Shakespeare’s plays to Mexico’s historic streets.
From London’s Globe Theatre to the open-air performances in Gdańsk and beyond, Shakespeare festivals around the world continue to celebrate the genius of the Bard in a variety of ways. Whether you’re in Europe, Asia, or Oceania, these festivals offer incredible opportunities to experience the magic of Shakespeare’s works in different cultural contexts and settings. So, wherever you are in the world, there’s likely a Shakespeare festival waiting for you to enjoy and appreciate the timeless brilliance of his plays.
