The ShakespeareBirthday

Marking the 445th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth

Welcome to theShakespeareBirthdayCelebrations, aunique event that’sbeen taking place inStratford for nearlytwo centuries. Thetradition bringstogether the localcommunity,

professional and amateur performers and artists andambassadors from around the world in a vibrantcelebration of the life and works of Stratford’s favouriteson.

This year marks an even bigger and better birthday party forShakespeare. The customary Saturday processions feature ahost of exciting newdisplays and

entertainments. Beprepared for a colourfulcollision of the traditionaland contemporary wherebrass bands marchalongside a samba band,Morris Dancers meetskateboarders andcostumedShakespearian actorsmingle with circus performers!Stratford’s streets will overflow with pageantry, music andtheatre and you can be part of it! Why not organise a Party forShakespeare’s birthday or become a Sonnet Sleuth? Full detailson pages 5, 6 and 15.

Over the birthday period you can enjoy a packed programme ofspecial celebratory activities - great days out at Shakespeare’shistoric houses, poetry, literary and music festivals andamazing theatre.So, whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare’s works or not, therepromises to be something for everybody. Bring along yourfamily and friends – one and all can join in the fun andspectacle commemorating the birth of Stratford’s famousliterary genius!

A celebration of Shakespeare, man of Stratford, by the people of Stratford and their guests

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ContentsBirthday Celebrations past 3Birthday Celebrations present 4Throw a party for Shakespeare’s Birthday! 5 & 6What’s happening and when, four-day diary 7 to 10At-a-glance calendar of events 11 & 12Shakespeare’s Houses & Gardens 13 & 14Town Trails 15Theatre events 16Poetry events 17 Music events 18Literary events 19 & 20Festival activities for children 21Shakespeare Birthday Party registration form 22Stratford-upon-Avon town map Back cover

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Shakespeare’s birthday – past celebrationsSince the mid-seventeenth century, visitors have been travelling to Stratford-upon-Avon to see the place where the great poet and playwright was born.However, it was David Garrick's Shakespearian Festival held in the Autumnof 1769 which really established the town as a place of literary pilgrimage. In1824 the Shakespeare Club marked the birthday itself (23rd April) with aprocession through the streets to Holy Trinity Church and a ceremonial dinner.

Over the years the tradition has grown toinclude many of the unique features which arestill part of today's Shakespeare BirthdayCelebrations: the boys from King Edward VIGrammar School leading the procession, therosemary worn for remembrance, the unfurlingof flags and the laying of flowers onShakespeare’s grave.

In 1896 the American Ambassador was invited to Stratford and so began thecustom that linked this annual event with the Court of St James. To this daythe Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations see many international Ambassadorsand High Commissioners joining the people of the town and their guests fromthe worlds of theatre, literature and learning.

Present celebrationsThis year sees a dramatic injection ofnew events and activities into the 200-year old tradition of markingShakespeare’s birthday. Thanks tosupport from Advantage WestMidlands, Stratford can now expect tosee more entertainment, more colourand more people taking part!

The festivities begin on Thursday 23rd April, the dramatist’s birthday with theopening of an exhibition of a newly discovered portrait of Shakespeare at theBirthplace. Sir Donald Sinden, President of the Birthday CelebrationsCommittee, reopens the Bancroft Gardens on Friday 24th April. Plus there areexciting additions to the traditional processions on Saturday with a bigger line-up of street performances from local creative groups and many opportunities forvisitors and audiences of all ages to joinin the festivities and express whatShakespeare means to them.

2009 is the 400th anniversary of thepublication of Shakespeare’s Sonnets andwe acknowledge this with a number ofspecial events including RSC actorsreading Sonnets on the ferry and agame for all the family to play called the Sonnet Sleuth.

Shakespeare’s Birthday Party is an open invitation to local people as well as visitorsto devise fun and imaginative ways of recognising the anniversary of Shakespeare’sbirth. You can be sure to find a birthday activity to watch or join in between 23rd

and 26th April.

In addition, there is a host of performances and events around the town and poetry,literature and music festivals extend the celebrations into May. With somethingfor all ages, we do hope you enjoy commemorating Shakespeare’s birthday withus.

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‘Red Ladies’ Clod Ensemble.Credit: Red Ladies Paparazzi

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Shakespeare’s Birthday Party How will you celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday?

The world over, communitiescommemorate Scotland’sNational Bard with BurnsNight parties of alldescriptions. This year, wechallenge the people wholive, work and havebusinesses in Stratford toput Shakespeare’s birthday

well and truly on the cultural calendar with theirown celebration, tribute or party.

Where to start?How about a private dinner, a public picnic, a tea dance or even a‘Romeo and Juliet’ speed dating session? Restaurants and cafés couldoffer a special birthday menu and schools might consider a Shakespearefancy dress day or setting a world record for the biggest ruff everworn! And there’s lots of scope for creative projects too such as song,dance, film, sculpture and happenings.

Hold your celebration wherever you want: in a house, restaurant, phonebox, up a tree, in the Bancroft Gardens – anywhere! It’s yourresponsibility to organise the event, invite the guests and book anyentertainment. Just make sure it’s legal and, if the public is involved,complies with Health and Safety standards*.

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How to take part Simply tell us what you are doing. Email birthdaypartychallenge@worldclasstratford.net with details of yourevent or complete and return the registration form at the back of thisbooklet. Closing date for enrolment is 15th April. Then remember to takelots of photographs on the day - images that capture the spirit of yourbirthday idea – and post them on www.shakespearesbirthday.org.uk or make ashort film and put it on www.youtube.com. All entries will be showcased onthe 2009 Shakespeare Birthday Party website and some may be featured inthe local press.

When to hold your partyEvents must take place between Thursday 23rd April (Shakespeare’sbirthday) and Sunday 26th April. The traditional public celebrations, whichattract thousands of visitors to Stratford, will be on Saturday 25th April so, ifyou hope to reach a wide audience, that’s the date for you! And should youneed any public space in the town centre contact us atbirthdaypartychallenge@worldclasstratford.net and we’ll help you find asuitable location.

Promoting your eventIf you’d like people to join in or watch your celebrations on the Saturday, letus know and we’ll try and include your details in the programme for the day.In addition, the Shakespeare Birthday Party Website will showcase everyone’sparty activities, events and projects.

*Participation in the Shakespeare Birthday Party is done at the individual’s or groups’own risk and the organisers take no responsibility for loss, damage or personal injury.

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What’s happening and whenFour-day diary of Celebrations

Thursday 23rd AprilShakespeare Found: A Life PortraitThe Shakespeare Centre, HenleyStreetOpening of a groundbreaking exhibition!Come and see the Cobbe Portrait, the firstand only painting of Shakespeare created inhis lifetime. This important find representsthe dramatist as he appeared to hiscontemporaries, including his friend andpatron, the Earl of Southampton, who maywell have commissioned it.‘Behold and wonder!’

George Chakravarthi’s Ode to a Dark StarInspired by the portrait and the Sonnets, theinternationally acclaimed artist GeorgeChakravarthi has created a new living portrait thatdepicts the Shakespearian themes of reflections,mysteries, legitimacy, love, loss and ambiguousidentities.

A co-commission by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Exhibitions run to 6th September at the Shakespeare Centre. Open 9.00am to 5.00pm daily. Tickets from www.shakespearefound.org.uk or Shakespeare’s Birthplace, see page 13.

Family Fun with the Sonnet SleuthA literary scavenger hunt around Stratford celebrating the 400th anniversaryof the publication of Shakespeare’s Sonnets. See page 15. Runs from 23rd April until the end of December. A co-commission by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Organ recital at Holy Trinity ChurchWith Kerry Beaumont of Coventry Cathedral8.00pm, tickets £8, concessions £6, children in full-time education free

Friday 24th AprilBancroft Gardens bloom again!President of the Birthday CelebrationsCommittee and Shakespearian actor Sir Donald Sinden reopens Stratford’sfamous gardens following a period ofrefurbishment. The ceremony includes: � The first opening of the new canal

lock gates and pedestrian bridge linking the gardens to the River Avon

� The unveiling of a commemorative plaque

� The switching on of the Swan Fountain by local schoolchildren

Throughout Friday afternoon and all day Saturday, visitors can enjoy aprogramme of artistic events and entertainment in the grounds.

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Warwickshire Fire and Rescue TributeBetween 2.00pm and 3.00pm Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service enact atribute in the Bancroft Gardens. The colourful ceremony features the Band ofthe Corps of Royal Engineers (one of the best marching bands in the world)Beating Retreat and is staged to recognise the invaluable role of the fireservice and celebrate the four fire-fighters who lost their lives in theAtherstone-on-Stour fire of November 2007.

Linking Birthplace to GraveHistorian Michael Wood exploresthe town’s historic spine.10.00am start at Shakespeare’sBirthplace

The ShakespeareBirthday Lecture byMichael WoodNew Light on Shakespeare’s Cardenio (in association with The University ofBirmingham).4.00pm The Shakespeare Centre. Tickets £10 available from the Shakespeare Bookshop.Tel. 01789 292176

Saturday 25th AprilProcession through the town and a fun-filled day ofentertainment and celebrations!Join the pilgrimage from Shakespeare’s Birthplace to his grave tocommemorate and celebrate his life. See next page for everything that’sgoing on!

Sunday 26th April28th Rotary Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon 9.30am Waterside. Website: www.shakespearemarathon.org.uk for more information

Holy Trinity Church:Annual ShakespeareService 11.00am. Readings and musicby the RSC. Preacher:Reverend Lord LeslieGriffiths

Transforming Our Theatres - The Next Stage An RSC Event (See page 16). Find out more about the ongoingtransformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.2.00pm. The Courtyard Theatre. Free. Tel: 0844 800 1114

More information on activities and procession timings will be available in the weekof the Birthday Celebrations.

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Courtesy the artist - George Chakravarthi

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Procession from birthplace to graveOld favourites, new route, new look!

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Children’s Procession

11.30am Local schoolchildrenjoin the celebrations

and parade behind theEvesham Wind Band

to the church (ashorter route via

Southern Lane)

People’s Procession

11.40am Everyone is invited to take part

in the final Henley Street march and put flowers on

Shakespeare’s grave. This is afantastic gathering so please be

there – you’ll be in goodcompany! The Coventry Corps of

Drums heads the procession withthe Shakespeare Morris Men

bringing up the rear.

Facilities for wheelchair usersSpace is reserved exclusively for wheelchair users to watch the procession and flag ceremony. The designated area is located at the end of Wood Street between AustinReed and Barclays Bank.

Times are approximate.

Throughout the processions and wellinto the afternoon, an exciting line-up of street entertainment and familyactivities can be found in HenleyStreet, Bridge Street, Waterside andBancroft Gardens.

Saturday 25th AprilMorningMerry-making in Bancroft Gardens Enjoy traditional English Country dancing and the Shakespeare Morris Men

Town centre comes alive!� Hear the Band of the Corps of Royal

Engineers

� Wander amongst strolling players, circus performers and musicians in Tudor costume

� Let Shakespeare Live! entertain you with scenes from the dramatist’s plays

AfternoonCome to a birthday party with a difference!� Over 30 local theatre, music and dance

groups celebrate on the streets of Stratford

� Admire local artists’ work at exhibitions both indoors and out!

� Take part in public workshops and learn period dancing and stage combat!

Town centre and Theatre & New Place GardensRelax to the sounds of the Stratford-upon-Avon Wind Band and watchShakespeare Live! weave their theatre magic.Visit The Falstaff’s Experience where the Earl of Oxford’s Men performabridged Shakespeare plays. Adults £5, concessions £4 and children £2.50. 1.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm and 4.00pm. Also Tudor Ghost Tours at 7.00pm, 8.00pm and 9.00pm. Tickets £7.50 (includes asouvenir scroll).

Romantic Sonnets on the River AvonListen to RSC actors recite Shakespeare’s Sonnets aboardthe chain ferry.12.00pm to 4.00pm. Board from the Theatre Gardens, SouthernLane or other side of river. Fare 50p each way

Birthday LuncheonSpeakers include Sir Donald Sinden, Michael Billington(The Guardian) and Professor Stanley Wells.12.00pm. Avonbank Pavilion. Tickets £58 from the Celebrations Office, The ShakespeareCentre. Prior booking essential. Tel. 01789 415536

Eat and drink at Stratford’s fantastic range of cafes, restaurants and pubs!

EveningDon’t miss the special RSC birthday performance of As You Like It at The Courtyard Theatre. 7.30pm. Box Office Tel 0844 800 1110 or order online atwww.rsc.org.uk

Get spooked on the Stratford Ghost Cruise! 7.00pm. River Avon. Adults £10, children £7. Must book in advance.Tel. 01789 292478 or 07855 76377

Enjoy more Shakespeare Live! performances 7.30pm. The Shakespeare Centre. Booking Tel. 01789 415536

International Visitors’ Procession 10.45am Starts at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, HenleyStreet International Visitors, led by Sir Donald Sinden,congregate at the Birthplace.

Waterside, Sheep Street and Chapel StreetA kaleidoscope of dancing, theatre andmusic erupts in the streets!

Church StreetStaff and pupils of King Edward VISchool take up their traditional role tolead the procession

Finishes at Holy Trinity ChurchCustomary laying of flowers onShakespeare’s grave.By lunchtime the vast array offloral tributes creates a stunningliving testament to Shakespeare’slife and legacy – well worth asecond look!

Bridge Street 11.00amFollowing the Band of the Corps of RoyalEngineers, International Visitors’ Procession movesto Bridge Street.� Age-old ceremony of unfurling the flags

of the nations

� National Anthem� Local community groups and performers make

their entrance – the party begins!

At-a-glance calendar of events over the Birthday Celebrations period

Wednesday 1st April Opening of ‘Open Book’ art exhibition

Sunday 19th AprilPoetry – In the Springtime of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pm

Monday 20th AprilMy Pick of Poems: Jan Morris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pm

Wednesday 22nd AprilPoetry: An Audience with Oxfam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pm

Thursday 23rd AprilOpening of Shakespeare portrait exhibition Shakespeare Found: A LifePortrait including a living portrait ‘Ode to a Dark Star’Stratford Town Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00pmMy Pick of Poems: Michael Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00pmStratford Town Ghost Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pmBeijing Performing Arts School: Hamlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pmOrgan recital. Holy Trinity Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00pmLaunch of Sonnet SleuthSpecial events at Shakespeare’s Houses and Gardens

Friday 24th AprilReopening of the Bancroft GardensLinking Birthplace to Grave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00amStratford Town Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00pmWarwickshire Fire and Rescue Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00pmThe Shakespeare Birthday Lecture with Michael Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00pmBeijing Performing Arts School: Hamlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pmStratford Town Ghost Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pmSpecial events at Shakespeare’s Houses and Gardens

Saturday 25th AprilDancing in Bancroft Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00amThree Birthday Processions – from birthplace to grave . . . . . . . from 11.00amBirthday Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.00pmSonnets on the River Avon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.00pm to 4.00pmMusic, theatre, art and dance. Town centre . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00pm to 5.00pmStratford Town Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00pmEarl of Oxford’s Men perform Shakespeare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00pm to 5.00pmStratford Ghost Cruise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.00pmRSC birthday performance of As You Like It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pmShakespeare Live! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pmBeijing Performing Arts School: Hamlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pmSpecial events and birthday cake at Shakespeare’s Houses and Gardens

Sunday 26th AprilRotary Shakespeare Marathon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.30amAnnual Shakespeare Service. Holy Trinity Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00amStratford Town Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00pmTransforming our Theatres - the Next Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00pmThe Best Will in the World. Poetry and song . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00pm & 7.00pmSpecial events at Shakespeare’s Houses and Gardens

Monday 27th AprilShakespeare’s Sonnets and Sex. Talk by Stanley Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pm

Tuesday 28th AprilOpening of Stratford Artists’ Forum exhibitionOpening of ‘Living Memories’ exhibition

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Wednesday 29th AprilStorytelling with Sandy Chapmam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.30amPam Ayres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pm

Thursday 30th AprilRagdoll storytelling. Festival Marquee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.30am and 12.30pmWriting Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00pmTalk by Andrew Davies, David Nicholls and Mary Cutler . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00pmAn evening with Felix Dennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pmCandle-lit late night organ recital. Holy Trinity Church . . . . . . . . . . . 9.00pm

Friday 1st MayTalk by local writer Jill Fraser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.30amWriting the Bard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.30pmJulian Clary presents his new novel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.30pmOrchestra of The Swan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00pmMelvin Bragg talks about his latest book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00pm

Saturday 2nd MayBe a Ballerina for a Day! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.30amCoffee with Tasmin Little and David Curtis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00amPiano recital with Martin Roscoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00pmFootball Special with Dan Freeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00pm‘Warwickshire’s Murderous Women’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00pmAfternoon Tea with poet Wendy Cope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00pmGyles Brandreth on his Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pmSmetana Piano Trio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00pm

Sunday 3rd MayMusic Festival Service. Holy Trinity Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.30amA taste of Dahl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.00pmMusic Festival Lunch with Tasmin Little . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00pmLibby Purves on her new novel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00pmOrchestra of The Swan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30pmStuart Maconie presents his latest book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30pmHas the Glass Ceiling even cracked? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00pmGloria Hunniford on her book ‘Always with you’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.30pmTasmin Little with Martin Roscoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00pmDiana Quick talks about her career and autobiography . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00pm

Monday 4th MayArt Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00am and 2.00pmStorytelling with Nikky Smedley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00amAfternoon Tea with Helen Fry. Author of ‘Music and Men’ . . . . . . . . . 2.30pmOrchestra of The Swan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30pmFamily Matters. Monologue by Ginny Davies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.00pmLord Roy Hattersley on ‘Borrowed Time’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pmThe Effect of Shakespeare’s Sonnets. A talk by Paul Edmondson . . . 7.30pmSwan Unbuttoned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00pm

Tuesday 5th MayLocal Poets’ Evening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pm

Saturday 9th MayShyama: Celebrating Rabindranath Tagore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00pm

Sunday 10th MayWe’re going on a Bear Hunt! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00pmThe Land of Lost Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pm

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All tickets are valid for 12 months from date of purchase, so you can visit timeand again for free. Tickets: Save 33% on a five-house ticket which includes one entry to theportrait exhibition. Admission on the door or save another 10% by bookingonline: www.shakespeare.org.uk 14

Visit this delightful Jacobean house with itsElizabethan Knot Garden and remains of NewPlace, Shakespeare’s final beloved home. Viewthe Web of Life exhibition and listen tospecialist talks on the dramatist’s life, theimagery in his plays and the house’s paintings. Outside visitors can admire the giant flowersculpture of Shakespeare’s Coat of Arms andchildren are invited to dress up as Shakespeariancharacters for a photo opportunity under thefamous Mulberry tree.

Following the Easter Holiday theme of‘Growing Pains’ Hall’s Croft providessome grisly insights into being a TudorTot in its latest exhibition ‘Gory andGhastly’. Children can discover theperilous path of childhood in the 16thand 17th centuries through a range offun activities.Create your own birthday card for MrWilliam Shakespeare and post it on the‘Bard’s Birthday line’! Learn to playTudor games in the beautiful gardenand seek out hidden childhood treatsand necessities throughout the house –things that a Tudor Tot would have hadto live without!

Saturday 25th April sees costumed re-enactors putting on a Mummers Play inHenley Street with a repeatperformance at the farm on Sunday.Any child visiting Mary Arden’s Farmover the celebratory period gets a sliceof Shakespeare’s Birthday Cake and aballoon to mark the day! Birthdayfestivities incorporate singing, dancingand Tudor games for youngsters. Plusthere’re all the regular attractions, withthe working Tudor kitchen, friendlyanimals and resident Birds of Prey beingfirm favourites.

Over the Birthday Celebration weekendreaders in Shakespearian costumeentertain visitors in the grounds. And onSaturday 2nd May the estate presents itsvery own ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’with The Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust’sHead Gardener, Barry Locke. Guests canalso enjoy the Shakespeare’s Flowerstour –an extended walk that takes in allthe flowers in bloom.

The Jacobean Doctor’s House

A real working Tudor farm

The most romantic Shakespeare House

Where the Shakespeare story ended

Life, Love and Legacy Exhibition A new introduction to Shakespeare.An unmissable exhibition comprising visualtheatre, sound and light. See real treasures andartefacts – such as Shakespeare’s First Folio –literally brought to life.

Shakespeare Found: A Life Portrait This groundbreaking exhibition presentscompelling evidence that the featured Cobbepainting is the first and only portrait ofShakespeare painted in his lifetime.Be among the first to share this importantmoment in our understanding of Shakespeare andfind out for yourself how handsome and aliveShakespeare now seems after 400 years!

George Chakravarthi’s Ode to a Dark StarA dramatic living portrait by internationallyacclaimed artist George Chakravarthi.

Shakespeare AloudWatch scenes from Shakespeare performed in the birthplace gardens. Talented actors in periodcostume entertain audiences with scenes from the dramatist’s plays.

Have some cake on us!Visit any of the houses on Saturday 25th April and enjoy a slice of

Shakespeare’s Birthday Cake.

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TOWN TRAILS23rd April to the end of December Sonnet SleuthShakespeare’s Sonnets come alive withSonnet Sleuth, a literary scavenger hunt thattests everyone’s detective skills. Find the 14special locations around Stratford towncentre and discover the clues hidden in theSonnets. This promises to be great family funand an ideal activity for school groups too.Compete with each other to find answersthat connect Shakespeare’s enduring Sonnets to the modern world. All youngplayers receive a souvenir of Stratford.

The New York poet and performance artist Nicole Blackman has createdSonnet Sleuth as part of a planned series of commissions of contemporaryartists by the RSC aimed at reinterpreting the work of Shakespeare for today’saudiences.

Starting on Shakespeare’s birthday, 23rd April, Sonnet Sleuth runs throughoutthe year. To take part and find out where the hunt starts, pick up instructionsand maps between 10.00am and 4.00pm from the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre*,Southern Lane or Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street. Sonnet Sleuth isfree and the game takes about two hours to complete. *Closed on Sundays

23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th AprilStratford Town Walk2.00pm. Duration 11/2 - 2 hours.Meet Waterside, opposite Sheep Street. No booking required. Tickets £5, over 65s andstudents £4

23rd and 24th AprilStratford Town Ghost Walk7.30pm. Duration 11/2 hours. Must be booked in advance. Tel. 01789 292478 or 07855 760377.Tickets: Adults £5, children £3. Also on Mondays

THEATRERoyal Shakespeare CompanySonnets on the Ferry25th April, 12.00pm to 4.00pm. Take a trip across the river from the theatre gardens and enjoythe sound of Shakespeare’s sonnets spoken by RSC actorsreading from the RSC Individual Works edition of The Sonnetsand Other Poems, published in late April. Fare 50p.

As You Like It - Birthday Performance25th April, 7.30pm. The Courtyard Theatre. Box Office: 0844 800 1110 or www.rsc.org.ukThe official birthday performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company isAs You Like It, directed by Michael Boyd, RSC Artistic Director.As You Like It runs in repertoire in The Courtyard Theatre from 18th April until 3rd October. Other productions in the RSC’s repertoire this year are The Winter’s Tale, Julius Caesar and two new plays, The Drunks and The Grain Store. More details at www.rsc.org.uk

Tranforming Our Theatres - The Next Stage 26th April, 2.00pm. The Courtyard Theatre. Tickets – free. Contact 0844 800 1114 to bookCreating the RSC’s new home on the banks of the River Avon.As part of the Birthday Celebrations, everyone’s invited to join Vikki Heywood, RSCExecutive Director, and Peter Wilson, Project Director, to hear the latest news frombehind the hoardings about the ongoing transformation of the Royal ShakespeareTheatre. If you've never been in The Courtyard Theatre, this is your chance to take alook at the prototype for the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre auditorium and find outmore about the RSC's plans for their future new home.

Stand up for ShakespeareIn 2008 the RSC launched a manifesto for Shakespeare in schools called ‘Stand up forShakespeare’. The RSC want children and young people to experience Shakespeare's playsin ways that excite, engage and inspire them and over 12,000 people have signed up insupport of the on line campaign that finished on Shakespeare's birthday. Watch out forstreet theatre performances by students from Stratford and Warwickshire schools on25th April. Representatives from Stratford primary schools will also be carrying Stand upfor Shakespeare banners in the birthday procession. For information on the manifesto –www.rsc.org.uk/standupforshakespeare

Shakespeare AloudWatch peformances of Shakespeare in the garden of Shakespeare’s Birthplace.

Beijing Shengji Performing Arts School and Stratford-upon-Avon CollegeHamlet: Sword of Vengeance23rd to 25th April, 7.30pm. Civic Hall. Tickets £8. Concessions £5A must for any Shakespeare fan! Stratford-upon-AvonCollege, in collaboration with the Beijing Shengji Arts School,presents an adaptation of Hamlet in Mandarin Chinese (withEnglish surtitles).Tickets are available from the Civic Hall on 01789 207100 or www.civichall.co.uk. For more information, email: college@stratford.ac.uk.

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Thursday 30th April, 9.00pm. HolyTrinity Church. Tickets £7.50 Candle-lit late night organrecital Atmospheric musical evening withAndrew Jones.

Friday 1st May, 8.00pm. Civic Hall.Tickets £11.50 to £21.50Orchestra of the Swan Tasmin Little plays Mendelssohn. “Tasmin Little can justly be regarded asBritain’s finest violinist“ The Independent

Saturday 2nd May, 1.00pm. Civic Hall.Tickets £10 to £12.50Piano RecitalMartin Roscoe plays a programmeincluding Beethoven’s magnificent‘Pathetique Sonata’.

Saturday 2nd May. 11.00am. Alveston Manor Hotel. Tickets £10(includes coffee)Coffee with Tasmin Little andDavid Curtis“What does it take to be a Maestro?”

Saturday 2nd May, 8.00pm. Civic Hall.Tickets £11.50 to £21.50Smetana Piano TrioCzech Genius!

Sunday 3rd May, 10.30am. Holy Trinity ChurchFestival Service

Sunday 3rd May, 1pm. Alveston ManorHotel. To book Tel. 0844 879 9138Festival LunchJoin Tasmin Little and other artists forSunday lunch.

Sunday 3rd May, 3.30pm. ComptonVerney Tickets £15.00. Concessions£11.50. Tel. 01926 645500Orchestra of the Swan: French Impressions

Sunday 3rd May,8.00pm. Civic Hall.Tickets £11.50 to£21.50Tasmin LittleplaysPartners in Time with Martin Roscoe.

Monday 4th May, 2.30pm. AlvestonManor Hotel. Tickets £10 (includesafternoon tea)Afternoon tea with Helen Fry Author of Music and men: The life andloves of Harriet Cohen.

Monday 4th May, 4.30pm. Civic Hall.Tickets £11.50 to £21.50Orchestra of the SwanAn English Celebration.

Monday 4th May, 8.00pm. AlvestonManor Hotel. Tickets £10.00Swan UnbuttonedPopular quartet plays Bach to The Beatles.

MUSICOrchestra of the Swan Spring SoundsInternational Music Festival 2009Five days of celebratory concerts from some of theworld’s top musicians including Tasmin Little andMartin Roscoe.

Sunday 19th April, 7.30pm. Tickets £12In the Springtime of the Year Poetry and prose to celebrate the newseason devised by Roger Pringle.Cast includes Alex Jennings, JefferyDench and Jane Lapotaire.

Monday 20th April, 7.30pm. Tickets £10My Pick of Poems:Jan MorrisTravel writer Jan Morrisdiscusses her favouritepoems with Paul

Edmondson. Readings by actor IanHughes.

Wednesday 22nd April, 7.30pm. Tickets £10An Audience with OxfamJoining forces for the first time, TheShakespeare Birthplace Trust and Oxfampresent a special fundraiser comprising anevening of poetry from some of today’sfinest lyricists. Audience members mayalso read a favourite poem (please book inadvance).

Thursday April 23rd, 4.00pm. Tickets £10 My Pick of Poems:Michael WoodHistorian and television presenterMichael Wood discusses his favouritepoems with Paul Edmondson. Readingsby actor Sunny Ormonde from TheArchers.

Friday 24th April, 4pm. Tickets £10The Shakespeare BirthdayLectureNew Light on Shakespeare’s Cardenio alecture by Michael Wood. In associationwith The University of Birmingham.

Sunday 26th April, 4.00pm and 7.00pm. Levi Fox Hall. King Edward VI School.Tickets £15.00The Best Will in the WorldShakespeare meets showbiz in thissparkling entertainment whichcelebrates the dramatist in poetry, prose and song.

Monday 27th April, 7.30pm. Tickets £12Shakespeare’s Sonnets and SexIn an exciting collaboration withShakespeare’s Globe Education, StanleyWells presents a talk supported byreadings by actor John Hopkins.

Saturday 2nd May, 4.00pm. Tickets £15 Afternoon Tea with Wendy CopeThis award-winning poetoffers an entertainingafternoon of recitals,

discussion and a book signing. Ticket priceincludes afternoon tea. “…the most funyou can have sitting down in public!”

Monday May 4th, 7.30pm. Tickets £12The Effect of Shakespeare’sSonnetsA talk by Paul Edmondson supported byreadings by actor Emma Fielding. Inassociation with Shakespeare’s GlobeEducation.

Tuesday 5th May, 7.30pm.Free admissionLocal Poets’ EveningAny writer is invited to take part and readtheir work as is anyone who just wants tolisten. Those who wish to recite shouldarrive by 7.00pm.

Saturday 9th May 2.00pm. Tickets £5Shyama: CelebratingRabindranath TagoreA celebration of the Indian writer, poet,philosopher, artist and musician on theanniversary of his birth. Includesintroductory talk, film screening and liveperformances.

Sunday 10th May, 7.30pm. TheShakespeare Centre. Tickets £15.00 The Land of Lost ContentA celebration of the music of AE Housman.

POETRYThe Shakespeare Birthplace Trust presents the 56thStratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival 2009A celebration of poetry in the hometown of the world’s greatest poet. Diverse and inspirational recitals and lectures from leading poets, actors andhistorians. Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon

Box office: Tel 01789 292176www.shakespeare.org.uk/poetryfestival.html 1817

Box office: 01789 207100www.springsounds.co.uk

For details of Children’s Festival events, see page 21

For details of Children’s Festival events, see page 21

A celebration of words, books and writing. Famous names from the literary world entertain with readings and talk abouttheir varied and interesting works.

2019

Box office: 01789 207100 www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

LITERATURE

For details of the Children’sFestival events see page 21

or go towww.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.ukConcessions of £1 are offered to

those aged 16 and under and over 60

1st April to 13th May. The Gallery,Stratford Leisure Centre. FreeadmissionOpen BookExhibition of artists’ handmadebooks, illustrations and book coverdesigns using traditional andcontemporary methods andmaterials. Entry forms available fromThe Gallery notice board.

28th April to 4th May. Civic Halland Festival Marquee. FreeadmissionStratford Artists’ ForumExhibition of local artists’ work andincludes Escape Exhibition ‘Narrativefrom Memories’.

28th April to 4th May Civic Hall.Free admission Living MemoriesA unique exhibition put together bylocal schoolchildren featuringrecollections of Stratford people inwords and pictures.

Wednesday 29th April, 7.30pmCivic Hall. Tickets £17.50, £16.30and £15.30Pam AyresThe popular poet weaves her magic.

Thursday 30th April, 6.00pmFestival Marquee. Tickets £8Andrew Davies, David Nichollsand Mary Cutler The art of adaptation – exploring theadapter’s work from book tobroadcast.

Thursday 30th April 10.00am to3.00pm. Festival Marquee. Tickets £30 Writing Workshop With Sophie King, Oxford UniversityCreative Writing Tutor.

Thursday 30th April, 2pm. Stratford Library. Tickets £8Writing WorkshopHow to get published with SaraO’Keeffe from the Orion PublishingGroup.

Thursday 30th April, 7.30pm. CivicHall. Cabaret style: Tickets £12. Tables of ten £100 An Evening with Felix DennisPoetry and humour with this veryentertaining entrepreneur.

Friday 1st May, 11.30am. Civic Hall.Tickets £8 Jill FraserLocal author talks about her book,More Tea, Less Vicar.

Friday 1st May, 6.30pm. FestivalMarquee. Tickets £8 Writing The Bard Professor Jonathan Bate, Ben Crystaland Chris Rush discuss fresh angles on writing about Shakespeare’sextraordinary life.

Friday 1st May, 6.30pm Festival Marquee Tickets £10Julian ClaryTalks about his new novel, Devil inDisguise.

Friday 1st May, 8.00pm. FestivalMarquee. Tickets £10Melvyn BraggPresents his latest novel, RememberMe.

Saturday 2nd May, 3.00pm.Falstaff Experience. Tickets £6Nick BillinghamLocal author on his book,Warwickshire’s Murderous Women.

Saturday 2nd May, 7.30pm. FestivalMarquee. Tickets £10

Gyles BrandrethThe entertainingwriter andbroadcaster on thelatest of his OscarWilde MurderMysteries.

Sunday 3rd May, 3.00pm. FestivalMarquee. Tickets £8

Libby PurvesColumnist andbroadcaster talksabout her new novel,Shadow Child.

Sunday 3rd May, 4.30pm. Festival Marquee. Tickets £8Stuart MaconieThe BBC broadcaster on his newnovel, In Search of Middle England.

Sunday 3rd May, 5.00pm. FestivalMarquee. Tickets £8Has the Glass Ceiling evencracked?Libby Purves, Asian writer JasvinderSanghera and playwright Zoe Lewisquestion whether women havereached anything close to equality.

Sunday 3rd May, 6.30pm. FestivalMarquee. Tickets £10

Gloria HunnifordPopular broadcasterdiscusses her book,Always With You.

Sunday 3rd May, 8.00pm. FestivalMarquee. Tickets £8Diana QuickOn her shining career andautobiography, A Tug on the Thread.

Monday 4th May, 6.00pm. FestivalMarquee. Tickets £8Family MattersOne-woman monologue by GinnyDavies.

Monday 4th May, 7.30pm. FestivalMarquee. Tickets

Lord RoyHattersleyTalks about, BorrowedTime – the story ofBritain between thewars.

MORE FESTIVALACTIVITIES FORCHILDRENLots of fun and educational events tocaptivate our younger audiences.

Written WordWednesday 29th April, 10.30am.Stratford Library. Tickets on door Storytelling with Sandy ChapmanA delightful morning of make-believe for the under fives.

Thursday 30th April, every half hourfrom 10.30am to 12.30pm. FestivalMarquee. Free admission.Ragdoll StorytellingMeet your favourite characters fromThe Night Garden.

Sunday 3rd May, 12.00pm. FestivalMarquee. Tickets £5 A taste of DahlAnthony Pedley performs the life andworks of the famous children’sauthor.

Monday 4th May, 11.00am. FestivalMarquee. Tickets £3Storytelling with Nikky SmedleyTall tales for the under sevens!

Sunday 10th May, 2.00pm. StratfordLibrary. Tickets £1We’re Going on a Bear HuntUnmissable under-fives poetry event– songs and rhyming stories all about Teddy Bears. Includes a TeddyBear hunt.

Plus a programme of educationalactivities for schools. Tickets £2 perchild. Public tickets available at £4.50For full details of the schoolprogramme including authors: PhilipReeve, Philip Ardagh, Julia Golding,Dan Freedman, Chris Rush, Jill Lewisand Angela Woolfe, go towww.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

DanceSaturday 2nd May, 10.30am. FestivalMarquee. Tickets £6.50. Family ticket £15 Be a Ballerina for a Day!Join author Angela Woolfe, meet reallife dancers and have your facepainted to play the part.

ArtMonday 4th May, 10.00am to 12.00pmand 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Festival MarqueeArt WorkshopCome and make a book!

MusicSaturday 2nd May, 3.00pm. Holy TrinityChurch Hall. Family Ticket £5 Family Opera WorkshopAn interactive Creative Workshop foradults and children.

SportSaturday 2nd May, 2.00pm. Festival Marquee. Tickets £6.50. Family Ticket £15 Football SpecialAn afternoon of ‘footie fun’ withfootball author Dan Freeman.Includes a football skills workshopand special appearances. 22

Shakespeare’s Birthday Party Registration Form

Title Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Organisation or business (if applicable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contact telephone number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brief description of proposed party or activity

Date of event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Venue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Number of people involved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If Saturday 25th April, do you wish to promote your event in the town’sbirthday celebrations guide? Yes/No. Do you require public space in thetown centre? Yes/No

I agree to be bound by the conditions of entry

Signature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Send to: Shakespeare’s Birthday Party, World Class StratfordProject, Stratford on Avon District Council, Elizabeth House, ChurchStreet, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6HX

Conditions of entry1. All activities should take place between 23rd and 26th April 20092. Activities must be legal and, if the public is involved, comply with Health and Safety standards.3. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust reserves the right to use any images submitted for its

promotional material4. Closing date for entries is 15th April and for inclusion in the celebrations programme 12th April5. Participation in the Shakespeare Birthday Party is at the individual’s or groups’ own risk and

the organisers take no responsibility for loss, damage or personal injury.

Remember to take up to five photographs of your activity or party andadd them along with your name and title of event to

www.shakespearesbirthday.org.uk

�

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The Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations Committee issupported by:

Co-hosted by Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council

Birthday Celebration Procession routeChildren’s route

Reproduction of this map is forbidden without the written consent of Stratford-upon-Avon District Council. (Tel. Legal Services 01789 267575)

Stratford-upon-Avon town map