Following the success of First Encounters: The Tempest - which completed its 12-week tour earlier this year and played to an incredible 12,000 young people and their families - First Encounters: King Lear will tour from 10 September to 12 December 2025, bringing Shakespeare’s work directly into school halls, local theatres and communities across England.

Plus, we're delighted that we'll be performing at venues in the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight for the very first time.

Signalling our ongoing commitment to widening access to high-quality arts experiences, the combined two First Encounters tours mean a total of 24,000 young people and their families will see the RSC perform Shakespeare live in their hometown this year. The tour is supported by a touring grant from Arts Council England.

ABOUT FIRST ENCOUNTERS: KING LEAR

Directed by Justine Themen, First Encounters: King Lear has been created in consultation with young people, reflecting their concerns about leadership and climate justice. The production features an abridged script that highlights young people’s perspectives and the consequences of Lear’s choices on family, society and the environment.

The creative team includes Set and Costume Designer, Anisha Fields, Composer Arun Ghosh, Movement Director Martin Hylton, Dramaturg Stewart Pringle, and Casting Directors Matthew Dewsbury CDG and Charlie Metcalf.

The show will perform in schools and community venues in Birmingham, Northampton, Cornwall, The Isles of Scilly, Skegness, Nottingham, The Midlands, Stratford-upon-Avon, Southampton, The Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Norwich, Peterborough, Suffolk and Kent.

SEE THE FULL TOURING SCHEDULE

First Encounters tours are part of our broader work with young people, schools and communities, with proven positive impacts on learning and life outcomes.

The productions are 80-minute edited versions of Shakespeare’s plays, made with, by and for young people aged 7-13, and are designed to be the perfect introduction to his work.

MORE ABOUT FIRST ENCOUNTERS