Everything you need to know about York's pop-up Shakespearean theatre

The works of William Shakespeare are known throughout the world, and this summer the city of York will embrace the world of Shakespeare by hosting Europe's first ever pop-up Shakespearean theatre.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre will arrive in York on June 25 and will be there all summer long until September 2.

Where will this pop-up theatre be located?

Located in the heart of the city, this pop-up theatre will be situated in the car park next to Clifford’s Tower, placing this event next to one of York’s most historic heritage sites.

An artist's impression of what the pop-up Shakespearean theatre in York is intended to look likeAn artist's impression of what the pop-up Shakespearean theatre in York is intended to look like
An artist's impression of what the pop-up Shakespearean theatre in York is intended to look like
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Modelled on the original Shakespeare Rose Theatre, this 13-sided pop-up open-air theatre will have a capacity for 950 people, with actors performing four of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays over the three month period.

This event still promises to offer and intimate and immersive atmosphere in a dramatic playhouse setting, offering spectators an innovative experience with the theatre being open-air.

The unique environment of this theatre will connect actors and audiences together and with none of the seats being more than 15m from the action, all of the spectators will be part of an interactive experience where they get to witness dramatic and comedic moments.

Which plays will be performed?

Four of Shakespeare's most famous plays will be performed in York's pop-up theatre this summerFour of Shakespeare's most famous plays will be performed in York's pop-up theatre this summer
Four of Shakespeare's most famous plays will be performed in York's pop-up theatre this summer

Four of William Shakespeare’s most renowned plays will be performed over the 10-week summer event, this being the tragedies of Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet, the comedy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the history of Richard III.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Although the concept of these four plays will still be traditional, the delivery of these plays will be fun and fresh.

Romeo and Juliet and Richard III will be directed by Lindsay Posner and Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be directed by York Theatre Royal’s Olivier Award-winning Artistic Director Damian Cruden and Associate Director Juliet Forster.

There will be dramatic sword-fights, bubbling cauldrons, wayward fairies, romantic scenes, gruesome murders and spectacular poetry.

An artist's impression of what the pop-up Shakespearean theatre in York is intended to look likeAn artist's impression of what the pop-up Shakespearean theatre in York is intended to look like
An artist's impression of what the pop-up Shakespearean theatre in York is intended to look like

Audiences will get to experience both the comic high and tragic lows of Shakespearean theatre in this unique, innovative setting.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When will the plays be performed and will there be anything else taking place?

There will be performances every day through the three month period, with a performance taking place at both 14.30pm and 19.30 pm.

Ticket prices range from £13.75 to £65.95. For more information click here.

Four of Shakespeare's most famous plays will be performed in York's pop-up theatre this summerFour of Shakespeare's most famous plays will be performed in York's pop-up theatre this summer
Four of Shakespeare's most famous plays will be performed in York's pop-up theatre this summer

Located just outside of the theatre will also be Shakespeare’s Village, a vibrant space where visitors will be able to gain free access to Elizabethan entertainment, which will include wagon performances, juggling jesters and musicians. A selection of Yorkshire’s best food and drink will also be available and there will also be an ornate Elizabethan garden, meaning that this Shakespeare summer extravaganza will offer something for everyone to enjoy.

Related topics: