A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM World Premiere to Open RSC's Summer 2026 Season
The RSC and Unicorn Theatre collaborate on the Shakespeare classic at The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced a summer programme of family theatre, storytelling, an outdoor installation and creative activities for audiences of all ages in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Leading the season is a world premiere production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, a fresh retelling of Shakespeare's classic comedy for everyone aged seven and over. The production marks the first major collaboration between the Unicorn Theatre, the UK's leading theatre for young audiences, and the RSC, representing a landmark partnership in children's theatre between two industry leaders.
Developed in consultation with the Unicorn's Creative Associates, a group of 8 to 13-year-olds, the production places children at the heart of the creative process, with young people helping to shape the show through their own perspectives and ideas.
The production features creative captioning integrated into every performance, alongside integrated BSL performances, ensuring access is embedded within the storytelling and design of the production from the outset.
Alongside the production, audiences can explore a new outdoor installation opening in late June in the Swan and Avon Bank Gardens, inspired by the magical world of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
The installation trail invites families into a playful journey inspired by the world of the play, featuring colourful woven structures, tyre play sculptures and points of surprise and discovery throughout the gardens. Inspired by themes of curiosity, transformation and imagination, the trail has been designed to encourage exploration, play and creativity.
Also featured this summer is a new project from Midlands-based theatre company Stan's Cafe. The production forms part of Stan's Cafe's ongoing River Tours series, which has previously explored rivers including the Thames, the Severn and the Volga.
Working closely with communities across Warwickshire and Worcestershire, the company is collecting stories and memories of life along the River Avon which will inform a one-person outdoor performance presented in The Dell from 14 to 16 August. The project is supported by the RSC and Live & Local.
As part of the development process, participants from the RSC Warm Hub have taken part in creative writing workshops, while students from Stratford College have contributed to the creation of a large textile map used within the performance environment. The project also explores themes of magic and transformation, connecting with the world of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
The RSC's renowned Summer School also returns for its 79th year from 24 to 27 August 2026. Bringing together leading academics, actors, directors and RSC staff, the four-day programme explores Shakespeare, theatre-making and productions from the 2026/27 season.
This year's sessions include discussions on the legacy of the RSC's first female director Buzz Goodbody and the 50th anniversary of David Edgar's Destiny, which premiered at The Other Place.
The summer programme also includes a refreshed display in The Play's The Thing, co-curated by archive volunteers and members of the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall Nottingham's People's Theatre Group.
Developed in partnership with the RSC, the display explores themes of identity, class and local heritage through Shakespeare's works and costume collections, drawing connections between productions of As You Like It and Nottingham's historic lace trade. Entry is free and no advance booking is required.
Videos
