What's on in April

Shakespeare’s birthday month is big news for us this year. Not only is it the playwright’s 460th birthday, but we are opening the first two plays of our brand new season.

Our new Co-Artistic Directors, Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, announced their first season of plays earlier this year, and we are very excited to be opening the season with Love’s Labour’s Lost and The Buddha of Suburbia.

Luke Thompson as Berowne, wearing a white collared top and leaning forward looking through heart-shaped sunglasses which Luke holds at arm’s length. In the background is blue sky and clouds

Love's Labour's Lost

Taking an oath to isolate themselves from the trivial distractions of women and love, four men think a spell of celibacy, study and self-improvement is the key to maxing out their potential. But when a Princess and her three companions arrive on a diplomatic mission, the allure of abstinence begins to evaporate. Something’s got to give… Luke Thompson (Bridgerton) makes his RSC debut as Berowne.

You can also see the Director Talk for Love's Labour's Lost on 17 April, 5.15pm.

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Dee Ahluwalia as Karim, wearing a pair of bright blue briefs and doing a head stand with knees bent and feet touching in a yoga-style pose. The background is warm with yellows and golds in a 70s style pattern

The Buddha of Suburbia

Based on the novel by Hanif Kureishi, adapted for the stage by Emma Rice with Hanif Kureishi. Expect an irresistible, heart-breaking and joyful exploration of family, friends, sex, theatre and, ultimately, belonging.

Want a bit more Buddha? Come along to the creative team talk on 29 April to find out how it all came together.

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Bye bye to Ben and Imo

We say good bye to Ben and Imo, the true story of the passionate partnership between Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst. You have until 6 April to catch this ‘playful and finely tuned’ (Daily Mail) new play by Mark Ravenhill.

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Shakespeare’s Birthday celebrations – 20 April

An afternoon of free activities and performances to celebrate our playwright’s birthday. Parade – The Giant Wheel is a moving performance inspired by the beauty, power and impact of people from different walks of life coming together, with a 12ft tall giant wheel powered by six street artists. We also have workshops for age 8+ and family storytelling for the younger ones.

The Play's The Thing, our exhibition of more than 100 years of theatre-making magic reopens on the birthday with a new selection of costumes, props and unique items from the RSC Collection.

More about the birthday

People in a park with a giant wooden wheel

First Encounters: Romeo and Juliet

This 90-minute version of Romeo and Juliet, edited by Robin Belfield and directed by Philip J Morris, uses original language to create the perfect introduction for young people aged 7-13 and their families. First Encounters Romeo and Juliet tours to venues in Hull, Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Skegness before bringing the tour to a close in Peterborough.

Find out more

Matilda the Musical

The multi-award winning musical, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl, tells the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Matilda tickets

Enjoy a Spring day out

Enjoy a 60-minute journey around our buildings. Our guided tours run daily, led by our experienced tour guides, and every tour will be truly unique.

Then you can watch the swans go by from our Riverside Cafe, sip a cocktail or enjoy a delicious afternoon tea from our Rooftop Restaurant. Take a spring walk through the Dell Gardens to Susie's Cafe Bar at The Other Place, now open Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm for hot and cold drinks, snacks and cakes.

MORTON HALL TULIP FESTIVAL 2024

With spring in full swing, we're looking ahead to the start of May and the stunning annual Morton Hall Tulip Festival, running only from Saturday 4 to Monday 6 May 2024, 10am-5pm (last entry at 3.30pm).

Admire more than 100 tulip varieties in borders, pots and three cut flower marquees. All ticket sales support costume-making at the RSC.