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

Stafford Shakespeare proudly presents RICHARD III at the Gatehouse Theatre in 2026.

Inspired by the gangland world of Peaky Blinders, the production is directed by RICHARD CHESHIRE, with set design by PATRICK CONNELLAN, who both worked so successfully on last year’s HAMLET.

Netflix star MATTHEW DUCKETT will play Richard III, having previously worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and starring in Lady Chatterley’s Lover (Netflix).

Channelling memorable productions at Stafford Castle in 1992 and 1999, this will be the first time The Bard’s War of the Roses masterpiece has been performed for 27 years.

Pitching the infamous King as an unloved, murderous hunchback, Shakespeare’s seminal script twists and turns as rivals, opponents and even family members are swept away amid a lust for power.

But what will become of Richard at the Battle of Bosworth?

This production promises to be spectacular, gripping and enlightening as the story of one of England’s most notorious kings unfolds.

‘A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!’ — Richard III, Act 5 Scene 4

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

MARCH 23-29: Keep an eye out for our full cast announcement coming soon and take a peek at our Stafford Shakespeare mini-exhibition in Stafford Library as part of National Shakespeare Week.

MARCH 27: Free screening of Stafford Shakespeare’s HAMLET in the Main Auditorium at the Gatehouse to mark World Theatre Day 2026.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18: (2.30pm) The Staffordshire Shakespeare Society will be performing ‘A Shakespeare Selection’ in our Piano Bar by Hour Shakespeare. The event is free but donations are accepted.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22: (2.00pm) The Staffordshire Shakespeare Society will also be hosting historian Catherine Beresford, a member of the Riccardian Society, who will be giving a talk on Richard III in our Piano Bar. The event is free but donations are accepted.

SATURDAY, MAY 9: (4.30pm) A talk at the Ancient High House by author and historian Matt Lewis on Richard III and William Shakespeare. Tickets £12.50 from the Ancient High House 01785 619131.

JUNE 23 to JULY 4: Stafford Shakespeare presents RICHARD III at the Gatehouse Theatre

LAST FEW PERFORMANCES: MUST END SATURDAY, JULY 5

‘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,’ Richard Cheshire, Director, HAMLET

PLEASE ENSURE ALL PHONES ARE EITHER OFF OR ON SILENT MODE DURING THE PERFORMANCE. THANK YOU. PLEASE NOTE: NO PHOTOGRAPHY IS PERMITTED.

 

 

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)