Lear thinks he will live out his old age with all of the comforts of kingship, and none of the responsibility. But the eldest two daughters, Goneril and Regan, have other ideas in mind - and he has given away all power to stop them. His vanity has devastating consequences for family, nation and climate.

Our First Encounters with Shakespeare production, made Shakespeare’s play about family, power and betrayal relevant for a new generation of theatregoers.
 
This 90-minute version of King Lear used an edited version of the original play to create the perfect introduction for young people aged 7+ and their families.

First Encounters: King Lear toured from September to December 2025.

Learning Resources

Download our Learning Pack for this production. You will find resources to use in the classroom or at home including a plot synopsis.

King Lear Learning Pack

Venues for the tour in 2025 included: Silhouette Youth Theatre, Hall for Cornwall, The Embassy Theatre in Skegness, The Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, Mast Studios, Mayflower Theatre in Southampton, Norwich Playhouse, Key Studios Theatre in Peterborough.

With thanks to our Associate School partners and the University of Birmingham for their involvement in the research and development for First Encounters: King Lear.