<img src='' title='Event Category: Shakespeare Festival' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: Shakespeare Festival

Stafford Shakespeare presents: HAMLET

‘To be or not to be, that is the question.’

Stafford Shakespeare proudly presents HAMLET in 2025.

Starring BENEDICT SHAW (Boat Story BBC, The Syndicate, Emmerdale) and directed by award-winning RICHARD CHESHIRE, The Bard’s twisty tale of madness, murder and revenge is one of his best-loved plays.

Hamlet returns home from university to find that, not only is his father newly dead, but that his mother, Gertrude, has quickly married his father’s brother, Claudius, who is now king.

The royal turmoil has led to threats of invasion and one night soon afterwards, the ghost of Hamlet’s father appears to him, accusing Claudius of his murder and urging Hamlet to revenge.

But how will Hamlet succeed? Thus begins a tale of madness, betrayal and revenge that threatens to destroy both kingdom and family.

Burnished with William Shakespeare’s most-quoted lines, this is a production that brings to life some of the most famous characters in history.

In keeping with the very best traditions of Stafford Shakespeare, it seeks to present one of The Bard’s best-loved plays in a fast-paced and accessible way to suit modern audiences.

‘It’s going to be something very special next Summer,’ Richard Cheshire, Director, HAMLET 

FURTHER CAST ANNOUNCEMENTS TO FOLLOW.

EARLY BIRD OFFER: OPENING NIGHT ALL TICKETS JUST £10.

 

Twelfth Night: A Cornish Tale

Tickets from just £23.00

Starring SEANN WALSH, NATALIE ANDERSON and BAFTA Winner MOLLY WINDSOR. Sponsored by Staffordshire University, more cast announcements coming soon.

‘If music be the food of love, play on…’

Stafford Shakespeare is proud to present TWELFTH NIGHT: A Cornish Tale at the Gatehouse Theatre.

What’s it all about? Well, it’s a tale of a shipwreck, mistaken identity, girls pretending to be boys, genuine love, unrequited love, drinking, marriage, confusion, a love triangle and . . . well, we can’t give the ending away, can we?

Set in 1960s Cornwall, this vivid production will conjure up childhood memories of visits to Britain’s most beautiful coastline; beaches, fishing villages, costumes and music to match.

It’s a feast for the eyes and ears – and that’s before The Bard’s superb story-telling gets into its stride.

Twists, turns, sight gags, word-play – and some of Shakespeare’s most loved lines all add to this being a production that will leave you longing for more.

And probably another trip down to Cornwall.

The story in brief

Viola finds herself shipwrecked on the island of Illyria.

For protection, she disguises herself as a young man, Cesario, and enters the service of Duke Orsino to deliver love letters to Countess Olivia.

Amid a tangle of mistaken identities and passions, Olivia falls for Cesario, whose heart belongs to Orsino, who is still smitten with Olivia.

When Viola’s twin brother appears, complications peak and the laughter starts to rise like an incoming tide.

Packed with hilarious scenes and some of Shakespeare’s most memorable lines, this production will enthral audiences of all ages.

For long-term fans and newcomers alike, this age-old story has stood the test of time for good reason.

Don’t miss it!

‘Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon ’em.’
(Malvolio, Act 2 Scene 5)

 

Name a Seat

Gatehouse Theatre Stafford Auditorium

Here’s your chance to become part of the furniture at the Gatehouse for the next 10 years, with our new ‘Name a Seat’ programme.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, mark a special moment, say thank you to a friend, or honour a fellow theatre lover, sponsoring a seat in the main auditorium is the perfect memento of happy hours spent at the Gatehouse down the years.

It might just be a memorable quote, or a tribute to your favourite act – the choice is yours.

Your support will make a big difference and help towards projects including our Gatehouse Youth Theatre groups, which give local youngsters their first taste of theatre, our Dementia Friendly Classic Film Afternoons, or our ongoing support for local community groups.

Simply choose what you’d like to say on your specially-engraved metal plaque and we’ll proudly display it on a seat of your choice for the next 10 years. The plaques are 76mm x 50mm Gilt Self Anodised aluminium plate, which can be engraved with up to four lines of text or a maximum of 75 characters.

Donations are £150 per seat (although you can add an extra amount if you wish).

You will also receive a downloadable Certificate of Thanks and a picture of the plaque in place (we will also happily arrange a visit to the theatre for you to grab your own photo).

So sponsor a seat today – and there’ll always be a part of you at the Gatehouse.

For further information, please contact the Box Office on 01785 619080.