About

Stroud Shakespeare Festival, the first Shakespeare festival hosted in Stroud, was born from a desire to bring the magic of Shakespeare’s work to a new generation of audiences. Spread over the course of four days, the festival will present a diverse, vibrant and engaging programme of theatrical experiences designed to suit theatre goers of all ages. Events include: headline theatre performances, extraordinary live music, exciting workshops for children and teenagers and a variety of opportunities for all to be involved in the mesmerising world of the great William Shakespeare.

Nestled within the breathtakingly beautiful Five Valleys, the market-town of Stroud paints a stunning backdrop for the festival. Hidden amongst the trees in fairy-tale Stratford Park, the Museum in the Park will host four main stages with performances from both established artists and amateur performers. All of whose remarkable imaginations bring Shakespeare's literary brilliance to life. Interactive stalls, such as ‘Book Blind Date’, ‘Encounters with Shakespeare’ and a magnificent Sonnet Tree, will help to create a charming and inspiring atmosphere for all to enjoy.

The festival is taking a break in 2021/22 as we cannot proceed with current restrictions, to focus on fundraising and future events, but we'll be back in 2023!

Introducing the crew

Here are a few people from behind the scenes this year. Come and say hello if you see us at the festival!

If you'd like to join us on the team - drop us an email!

Festival Director

Kate Raw

Kate Raw has worked as a creative practitioner for the past 10 years. In theatre, she was Company Director of Foot in the Door Theatre from 2008 - 2017, and most recently worked with the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand, assisting with the Wellington Shakespeare Festival. She has directed and performed in a few of the Bard's plays, including As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth, Pericles,

A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, Love's Labour's Lost, and Much Ado About Nothing.