CELEBRATE SHAKESPEARE Stratford-upon-Avon 2016 CELEBRATE SHAKESPEARE 2016 When William Shakespeare died on his 52nd birthday back in 1616, few would have anticipated the incredible impact he would make on the literary world over the centuries. Now, in the 400th anniversary of his death, the eyes of the world will be upon Stratford-upon-Avon as we celebrate his lasting legacy in the town where he was born, went to school, raised his family and was buried. Over the course of a year crammed with themed events there will be everything from craft sessions and sonnets on the river ferry through to a world premiere and live TV event broadcast from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The newly renovated schoolroom where Shakespeare was taught will be unveiled and New Place, his family home for 19 years until his death, will reopen in the summer as part of a £5.25 million project. But there is more to Stratford-upon-Avon than Shakespeare and with a thriving town centre and a calendar filled with festivals, it’s the perfect place to visit whatever the time of year. Whether you love motoring, food, literature or just messing about on the river, there is the event for you. There is a lot to come to Stratford for in 2016 the 400th anniversary year and beyond. PAGE LISTINGS Birthday Weekend Highlights Birthday Weekend Listing Map of Birthday Parade Route 2016 Stratford Whats On 8-9 10 - 11 12 14 - 15 2016 Events Listing 19 Town Centre Map 20 3 Opening July 2016 Stratford-upon-Avon’s newest and most exciting attraction • Visit the most significant heritage site celebrating 400 years of Shakespeare’s legacy • Walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps and trace the footprint of his family home New Place The site of Shakespeare’s family home from m 1597 to 1616 Registered Charity Number 209302 • Meet the man behind the works in a fascinating new exhibition • Discover beautiful gardens and specially-commissioned artworks To find out more about this world-class project visit: shakespeare.org.uk ‘And to thee and thyy company I bid A hearty welcome’ The Tempest, Act 5 Scene 1 R TOU DIOusies U A r REE er C VE F ur Riv LUSI on o EXCavailable SPRING SPECIAL OFFER 2for1 Celebrate the Bard’s Birthday by taking advantage of our 2 for 1 offer for a river cruise or rowing boat hire. Valid until the end of May. River Cruises depart every 20-30 minutes from the water front on the Bancroft Gardens - right outside the theatre! Avon Boating Ltd, Swan’s Nest Boathouse, Swan’s Nest Lane Stratford Upon Avon Warwickshire, CV37 7LS OFFER 01789 267 073 | www.avon-boating.co.uk ✃ Rowing Boats from our Boathouse on the other side of the river, between the two bridges. 2for1 on rowing boats and river cruises. Valid until 31st May. Not to be used in conjuncture with any other offer. Terms and Conditions apply STRATFORDUPON-AVON TOWN HALL is a distinctive venue for almost every occasion Stratford-upon-Avon’s Town Hall has been standing on its original site since 1634 and is situated in the very heart of this historic town of worldwide acclaim. It houses not only the Town Council and its offices, but provides a superb venue for a variety of events. The principal rooms are all licensed for marriages and other civil ceremonies and their variety and diversity make this an ideal venue for a wedding of distinction; from a grand occasion for approximately 180 guests to an intimate affair with just two witnesses. The Town Hall is available for hire by residents or visitors to the town, and the Hall rings to the sound of music and laughter, merriment and dance. Sober occasions such as memorial services and funerals are also accommodated with sobriety and respect. Christenings, conferences, corporate dinners and coffee mornings, all have been accommodated at remarkably realistic prices for a venue such as this. Please telephone Emma Evans for further information, or for an appointment, should you wish to view the Hall. Stratford-upon-Avon TOWN COUNCIL Tel: 01789 269332 Sheep Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EF [email protected] Join s at e Waterside Braerie! The Waterside Brasserie offers guests a relaxed dining experience in a chic environment, complete with its own Champagne Bar and beautiful interiors. Our chef will prepare a variety of unique and mouth-watering dishes using only the best seasonal local ingredients. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BA T: 01789 298682 E: [email protected] www.theardenhotelstratford.com /thearden @ardenhotel Lunch served between 12 noon - 3pm Afternoon Tea served between 3pm - 5pm Dinner served between 5pm -10pm Late Supper between 10pm - 11pm © Amy Murrell Play a leading role in our 400 year celebrations. Celebrate the lasting legacy of the world’s greatest playwright in his birthplace and home town; the beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon. 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death so join us as Stratford-upon-Avon plays host to a year-long calendar of celebrations. Watch one of his plays performed by the Royal Shakespeare &RPSDQ\H[SHULHQFHIRUWKHÀUVWWLPHHYHUWKHVFKRROURRPZKHUHKHOHDUQWWRZULWH tour his birthplace; immerse yourself in a reimagining of his family home New Place and follow in his footsteps alongside Stratford’s historic spine. So join us in Stratford-upon-Avon and play a leading role in our celebrations. Take part in the conversation using #Shakespeare2016 /ShakespearesEngland @shakespeareseng www.shakespeares-england.co.uk/shakespeare-2016 BIRTHDAY WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS Stratford's annual homage to its most famous son looks set to be bigger and better than ever before. Visitors to the town will be able to enjoy three days of parades, performances and parties. The birthday weekend, April 23rd and 24th, begins with a celebration concert by “Ex Cathedra” at Holy Trinity Church which will also be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. This tribute will feature the world premiere of ‘A Shakespeare Masque’, which has been written especially by the Poet Laureate Dame Carol Ann Duffy. The concert will also feature a children’s choir and a selection of instruments familiar to the Bard. Stratford Artshouse will also be hosting a Bard’s Night on Friday 22nd. A feast of rare dishes, exceptional wines and memorable entertainment including a Bard’s Night Toast at midnight. Saturday's traditional town parade – one of the highlights of the annual celebrations – will have a different look this year. Being the 400th anniversary of the great man's death, the parade will begin as a Walk of Remembrance to the toll of a funeral bell against the backdrop of streets swathed in black and gold. Sprigs of rosemary and Shakespeare masks will be handed out to the crowds. Following the spectacular unfurling of the flags in Bridge Street and the dramatic quill ceremony, the parade will turn into a huge party led by a New Orleans Jazz Band up to the bard's last resting place at Holy Trinity Church where traditional bunches of flowers will be laid on his grave. The end of the procession marks the start of the many other festivities planned over the birthday weekend. The Royal Shakespeare Company has a huge range of events including a film festival, family fun and fireworks. A free demonstration entitled Blood, Guts and Gore will show how to create fake scars and bruises. Experts will also be on hand at a series of workshops in the Swan Gardens Marquee, including one to learn the art of stage fighting. 8 In the afternoon of April 23rd, there will be performances of Wondrous Strange from acrobatic theatre company Mimbre in the gardens in front of the theatre and there will be opportunities for children to become actors, to dress up and help tell the story of one of the Bard’s most iconic plays. There will be a fabulous firework display outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at approximately 10.30pm. David Tennant will be in town presenting Shakespeare Live! From the RSC, a special event broadcast on BBC Two, directed by RSC Artistic Director, Gregory Doran, celebrating Shakespeare’s legacy in all the arts. David Tennant also joins other RSC actors on screen at Stratford-upon-Avon Picturehouse as part of a festival that will screen some of the Company’s most memorable productions – the former Doctor Who star will feature in an encore screening of Richard II on Saturday afternoon. RSC actors will be performing, Sonnets on the Ferry, entertaining those making the short trip across the Avon on the old chain ferry. Acting and music students from Stratford College will be putting on street performances while art, photography and creative writing students will be showcasing their work in shop windows. Saturday will also see the official opening of Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall. The town’s newest heritage visitor site will allow followers to discover the missing chapter of his life in Stratford – notably his education and the inspiration that led him to become one of the world’s greatest playwrights. Visitors will be able to see the room where he was taught and might get a chance to join a lesson and brush up on Latin! Sunday sees the annual parade through the town to Holy Trinity Church where the traditional Shakespeare Service will be held. And for something completely different, on Sunday the New York based rap artist Devon Glover, aka The Sonnet Man, will attempt to perform all 154 of the Bard’s sonnets in his own contemporary Hip Hop style. This will coincide with the town’s annual Shakespeare marathon and half marathon which starts in the town centre and finishes on the recreation ground opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. 9 WHAT’S ON FOR THE SHAKESPEARE BIRTHDAY WEEKEND SAT APRIL 23RD AND SUN APRIL 24TH 2016 SAT 23RD SUN 24TH 10 TIME WHAT 09:00 - 16:00 Shakespeare Plays by local students Free 09:00 - 16:00 Stratford upon Avon College Students performances and displays Free 10:00 - 17:00 Opening of Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall £5 children, £8 Adult 10:15 - 11:50 Shakespeare's Birthday Parade (details and route on p12) Free 11:30 - 16:15 Crafts 11:45 Stage Fighting Techniques 12:00 - 16:00 Knights & Nymphs Toddlers Party 12:00 - 13:30 Meet the Artists Free 12 noon Blood, Guts and Gore : Make up demonstration Free 13:00 Active Storytelling – Hamlet Free 13:00 Voice - take part and sing Shakespeares words! Free 13:00 - 16:00 Shakespearian Mask Making - Escape Community Arts Free 13:30 - 16:30 Sonnets on the Ferry 50p 14:00 Singing Free 14:00 Dance Workshop Free 14:00 Wondrous Strange by Mimbre Free 14:30 Richard II £10.50 14:30 - 15:30 Meet the Artists Free 14:45 Stage Fighting Techniques Free 15:00 Active Storytelling – A Midsummer Night’s Dream Free 16:00 Wondrous Strange by Mimbre Free 22:00 Free Public Firework Display Free 10:55 Procession Free 11:00 Sonnet Marathon Free 12:15 Shakespeare service Free 14:30 The Two Gentlemen of Verona £10.50 17:30 The Incomplete Shakespeare from £8 COST Free Free Free for under 5’s WHERE NOTES Shakespeare Birthplace Stratford upon Avon College and Stratford Girls Grammar School perform excerpts Bancroft Gardens and Town Centre Dance, art, photography and creative writing on display Chapel Lane www.shakespearesschoolroom.org Town Centre www.shakespearescelebrations.com RSC public areas Free craft activities www.rsc.org.uk Swan Gardens Marquee - rear of the Swan Theatre Learn how to pull a punch in this active workshop and demonstration of stage fighting techniques. Www.rsc.co.uk Halls Croft Family fun day - bring your picnic or enjoy their BBQ Paccar Room Meet artists who have created new works of art RSC Upper Circle Bar Demonstration on how to create bruises, cuts and scars with make up! www.rsc.co.uk RSC Upper Circle Bar Become an actor. Suitable for ages 4+ www.rsc.org.uk Swan Gardens Marquee - rear of the Swan Theatre Have a go at bringing Shakespeare’s words to life through song. www.rsc.org.uk Bancroft Gardens www.escapearts.org.uk River Avon Take a ferry across the Avon accompanied by words by RSC actors - 50p for the crossing RSC Upper Circle Bar Fun lively session to learn simple songs. Age 7+. Www.rsc.org.uk Swan Gardens Marquee - rear of the Swan Theatre Learn the Bergomask Dance from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. www.rsc.org.uk Bancroft Gardens Acrobatic theatre company Mimbre presents Wondrous Strange, a specially-comissioned 30 minute performance Stratford Picture House RSC Live from Startfoford upon Avon 2013 with David Tennant Www.picturehouses.com Paccar Room Meet artists who have created new works of art Swan Gardens Marquee -rear of the Swan Theatre Learn how to pull a punch in this active workshop and demonstration of stage fighting techniques. Www.rsc.co.uk RSC Upper Circle Bar Become an actor. Suitable for ages 4+ www.rsc.org.uk Bancroft Gardens Acrobatic theatre company Mimbre presents Wondrous Strange, a specially-comissioned 30 minute performance. Outside RST Enjoy a free public firework spectacular Chapel Street, Church Street, Old Town Shakespeare’s Birthplace Rap artist Devon Glover will attempt all 154 sonnets! Holy Trinity Church www.stratford-upon-avon.org Stratford upon Avon Picture House Live RSC performance on the big screen www.picturehouse.com Stratford Artshouse www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk 11 ROUTE FOR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION PARADE BB BB TR TR TBS TR BB VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE TOWN SQUARE BB CLOPTON BRIDGE BB TRAMWAY FOOTBRIDGE BB KEY FINISH Holy Trinity Church TR BB TBS Taxi Rank Blue Badge Holders Temporary Bus Stop Roads Closed 10:15-11.00am Shakespeare's Birthday Parade: Muster of guests and participants Departs Stratford Town Hall and other central locations in town Free See hundreds of participants gather and follow a Walk of Remembrance through the streets in sombre mood to take up their positions for the Flag Unfurling ceremony. 11:00-11.10am Parade: Handing Over of the Quill & Flag Unfurling Ceremony Top of Bridge Street Free Watch the traditional handing over of the Quill, placing of a commemorative wreath and Unfurling of Flags, followed by a special 'Mask Moment' for 2016 - don your Shakespeare Mask and give 'Three Cheers' to the Bard! 11.10-11.50am Parade: Surprise Jazz Band entrance & Carnival Procession to Holy Trinity Church Top of Bridge St, High Free Street, Chapel Street, Church Street and Old Town to Holy Trinity Church. The tempo changes to a festive mood. Sing 'Happy Birthday!' to Shakespeare as our specially invited New Orleans Jazz Band bursts into life with music and streamers. Join the party procession to lay floral tributes at Shakespeare's grave. www.shakespearescelebrations.com 12 g S t r in Fe s iv a d tra tfor l of M o t o 23, 24 & 25 SEPTEMBER 2016 Avon Pharmacy Welcome to your local pharmacy which dispenses both NHS and private prescriptions. Our aim is for you to get maximum benefit from your medicines. Services Offered • Repeat prescription collection and delivery service. • Confidential help and advice • Emergency supplies • Review of your medications • Medicines assessment and compliance. Stratford Healthcare, Arden Street, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6HJ Telephone 01789 200920 Fax 01789 200922 Email [email protected] • • • • • • Support for people with disabilities. Emergency Contraception Stop Smoking support and advice Needle and syringe exchange Managed repeat prescriptions Electronic prescriptions Opening Hours Monday 07:00am - 23:00pm Tuesday 07:00am - 23:00pm Wednesday 07:00am - 23:00pm Thursday 07:00am - 23:00pm Friday 07:00am - 23:00pm Saturday 09:00am - 19:00pm Sunday 08:00am - 18:00pm STRATFORD 2016 WHATS ON One of the highlights of this special year will be the re-opening of New Place Shakespeare's family home for 19 years through to his death - following a £5m plus restoration project by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT). This historic town centre site will open for the Birthday Weekend before a grand opening in the summer. Visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon this year will be able to follow in the Bard’s footsteps and see specially commissioned artworks and displays to get a real feeling of Shakespeare’s genius. On stage at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, there is great excitement surrounding A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Play For The Nation. This sees amateur theatre groups working with the RSC as the play tours the country before returning to the town in June. Its return will coincide with the opening of Slung Low’s Fairy Portal Camp which will offer a feast of dance, song and fire designed to reconnect us with the spirit world on Midsummer Eve. Hamlet and Cymbeline are the other RST spring/summer productions, while the Swan Theatre marks the 400th anniversary of Ben Jonson’s First Folio by including The Alchemist and Cervantes’ 400th anniversary with Don Quixote, alongside a production of Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus. The Other Place reopens as a studio theatre complete with new cafe and a new Page To Stage Tour and the Swan Wing also reopens following an extensive heritage restoration. A few days before the birthday weekend celebrations, a concert with leading opera singers Joseph Caleja and Angel Blue will be held at Holy Trinity Church while Stratford Artshouse will be staging To Build a Wooden O – a play combining comedy, tragedy and history. You can follow in the footsteps of the great playwright and seek out the Shakespeare Steps, a fun self-guided tour where footsteps and speech bubbles have been painted on the pavement at eight different locations allowing mini dramas to be played out. Another family-friendly treat lies in store at the World of Wizard’s Thatch where visitors will find there was more to the Bard’s early life than we first thought – the latest instalment of the Chronicles of Wizard’s Thatch: William Shakespeare, Vampire Hunter reveals all!!! 14 Away from the Shakespeare festivities there is an abundance of fun events taking place over the year from books to boats and cars to carousels. There definitely is something for everyone. The annual Literary Festival starts amid Shakespeare’s birthday weekend celebrations. You can listen to and meet leading authors and illustrators and take part in workshops and debates. Special events will be laid on for younger readers. Car enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven over the May Day bank holiday weekend when the Stratford Festival of Motoring gears up for another bumper event. The automotive spectacular attracts petrolheads from around the country, with cars of all ages on display. June’s Let it Glow – Moonlit Walk is the first of two big fundraising events during the year for The Shakespeare Hospice, the second being the spectacular and colourful Dragon boat race along the river in September. Also in June, Warwickshire will host to the Aviva Women’s Bike Tour for the first time with the 140km second stage finishing in the town centre in front of the TV cameras. In July there is much action on the River Avon. The award-winning Stratford River Festival returns on July 2nd and 3rd, sandwiched between Stratford Boat Club’s two rowing regattas. Nearly 70,000 revellers took part in last year’s two-day festival. Also The Shakespeare Lions Raft Race is fantastic fun! September is a month of huge variety. Be inspired at the town’s Poetry and Music Festivals and give your taste buds a treat at the Stratford Town Centre Food Festival. The historic streets will be crammed with stalls serving mouth-watering treats and celebrity chefs and cookery workshops will entertain. Various exhibitions will run throughout the year including Shakespeare’s Family and Friends at Shakespeare’s Birthplace. The RSC’s new exhibition, The Play’s The Thing, opens in October, revealing the secrets and stories from 100 years of theatre-making in Stratford-upon-Avon. October also welcomes back the Mop Fair. Enjoy some spooky fun and terrifying tales throughout the town during the month long Halloween Festival. Stratford’s stunning Christmas lights will be switched on at the end of November to coincide with the opening of the popular Christmas Markets. They help create a truly festive atmosphere, perfect for relaxed Christmas preparations and celebrations. 15 £10 VOUCHER SIGN UP FOR MEMBERSHIP WITH THIS ADVERT AND RECEIVE A £10 VOUCHER! JOIN TODAY AND SAY YES TO SAVINGS! SAMPL10E This voucher entitles Costco member £ to a credit of up to £10 purchased against items from Costco COSTCO £10 Coupon #183555 Valid until 31/08/15 at all UK Locations VOUCHER 1 2 09:19 COSTCO COVENTRY ONLY. VALID UNTIL 31/08/2016. Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction. Trade Membership* The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT). Executive Trade Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. Individual Membership* The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT). Executive Individual Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. Join in the warehouse or online: *Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. Costco accepts cash, debit card, cheque or American Express. Costco Coventry, 51 Torrington Avenue, Coventry, CV4 9AQ T: 02476 854 660 E: [email protected] www.costco.co.uk JN11150 www.warehouses.costco.co.uk/membership TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON Served from 12 – 8pm, Will’s Place Restaurant or Oak Bar Served from 2.30pm – 5pm, Available daily in Scholars Tea Room SUNDAY ROAST Θ'ŝŌ^ŚŽƉ dŚĞh<͛Ɛ>ĂƌŐĞƐƚdƌŽƉŝĐĂů ƵƩĞƌŇLJWĂƌĂĚŝƐĞ͊ TEA LOCALLY SOURCED PRODUCE FROM ‘BARRY THE BUTCHER’ ENJOY A SELECTION OF TRADITIONAL FINGER SANDWICHES, HOUSE-MADE CAKES& SCONES WITH JAM & CLOTTED CREAM WITH A VARIETY OF TEAS 1 COURSE £10.95 2 COURSE £13.95 3 COURSE £16.95 £12.95 PER PERSON ADD SOME FIZZ FOR £2.95 PER GLASS ƵƩĞƌŇŝĞƐͻŝƌĚƐͻ&ŝƐŚͻ/ŐƵĂŶĂƐ ĂŶĚƐŽŵƵĐŚŵŽƌĞ͙͘ KƉĞŶůůzĞĂƌ WůĞĂƐĞĐŚĞĐŬŽƵƌǁĞďƐŝƚĞĨŽƌĂůůŽƵƌĞdžĐŝƟŶŐ ůĂƚĞƐƚŶĞǁƐĂŶĚůĂƐƚĞŶƚƌLJƟŵĞƐ ^ǁĂŶƐEĞƐƚ>ĂŶĞ͕^ƚƌĂƞŽƌĚ-ƵƉŽŶ-ǀŽŶ tĂƌǁŝĐŬƐŚŝƌĞ͕sϯϳϳ>^ dĞů͗ϬϭϳϴϵϮϵϵϮϴϴ ĞŶƋƵŝƌŝĞƐΛďƵƩĞƌŇLJĨĂƌŵ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ ǁǁǁ͘ďƵƩĞƌŇLJĨĂƌŵ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ T +44 (0) 1789 279953 E [email protected] Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6HA 18:13 SH CELE AK BR 400ESPEAATE RE Celebrate 400 years of Shakespeare's literacy legacy in 2016 with JPMNK@>D<G<M?N<ILP@O|C<F@NK@<M@NRJMFN<M@GDƕ@M@?RDOCM@A@M@I>@NOJ Greek and mythology - feasting and banquets also feature prominently so we have taken our award winning 22 dish Mezzes and given it a Shakespeare theme in his honour. Great fun - whether you are a table for two or part of a group all the food goes in the middle of the table for everyone to share! OPEN: 10AM - 10PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH PRE/POST THEATRE/CINEMA DINNER TEA/COFFEE SNACKS DRINKS MEZZES PRIX FIXE & MINI MEZZES Greek Banquet PARTY MENUS (tapas) £22.95 & £24.95 £12.50 - £22.50 £9.95 & £12.95 BIRTHDAYS • ANNIVERSARIES • ENGAGEMENTS WEDDINGS • CHRISTENINGS • OFFICE DO'S • SURPRISE PARTIES CORPORATE ENTERTAINING • PRIVATE DINING MEETINGS / SMALL CONFERENCES 27 ROTHER STREET, STRATFORD UPON AVON CV37 6NE. TEL 01789 290505 www.el-greco.co.uk email: [email protected] ADVERTORIAL INTERVIEW “By the pricking of my thumbs, an awesome read this way comes…” Most people think of William Shakespeare as a great poet and playwright, but during the period 1578 - 1582 and then again from 1585 - 1592 (commonly referred to as the “Lost Years”) no-one has ever known exactly what Will really got up to… ...until now that is. William Shakespeare Vampire Hunter is the eleventh book in the Chronicles of Wizard’s Thatch and is due to hit the streets on April 23rd of this year. We caught up with local author Dave Matthews to ask him about his latest book. So, we’ve got to ask, was Shakespeare really a Vampire Hunter? Well, no-one really knows do they? During the lost years there is very little documented evidence of his activities. What we do know is that he went from being a relatively uneducated schoolboy to an accomplished actor and the world’s greatest playwright with a wealth of knowledge and experience at his fingertips. I mean, how could he have learnt so much about history, military strategy, love and intrigue without having some adventures of his own? When and where does the book take place? The book is set for the most part during the reign of Elizabeth I, but there are a few twists, as readers of the Chronicles would expect. Some of the tale takes place during the reign of Queen Victoria and some of it in today’s England – so there are elements of time travel too! You’re saying that Shakespeare was a time traveller? Well of course he was! After all, not only are his plays uniquely timeless, but he was the travelling companion of the world’s greatest time travelling wizard too. So how many books are there in the series? This is the eighth story in the series but the eleventh book to be published, and it’s the first new Chronicle to be published for 16 years. “The Other Doctor And the Girl Who Ran Away” was first published in 1990 and celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. Who are the books aimed at? The Chronicles were written originally as children’s stories, although we believe that the mark of a good story is that it will appeal to anyone. Is this the end of the Chronicles? Heavens no! This is just the beginning, there are many more tales from Will’s lost years still to come, and as Will himself might have said: “By the pricking of my thumbs, an awesome read this way comes…” The Chronicles of Wizard’s Thatch are available from Wizard’s Thatch stores in Stratford and London, or by mail order from 01789 290969. 18 2016 EVENTS LISTING WHEN WHAT WHERE NOTES 18 Mar - 4 Apr Easter at Shakespeare’s Family Homes Stratford Town Centre www.shakepeare.org.uk 21 Mar - 1 Apr Easter Holiday Family Fun Stratford Town Centre www.rsc.org.uk/families 23 & 24 Apr Birthday Celebrations Weekend Stratford Town Centre www.shakespearescelebrations.com 24 Apr - 1 May Stratford Literary Festival Stratford Town Centre www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk 24 Apr Stratford Marathon Stratford Town Centre & District www.shakespearemarathon.org.uk 1 & 2 May Stratford Festival of Motoring Stratford Town Centre www.stratforward.co.uk/events/ stratford-festival-of-motoring 4 June Stratford Swan Hopping River Avon www.avon-boating.co.uk 4 June Let it Glow Moonlit Walk Stratford Town Centre www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk 16 June Aviva Ladies Bike Race Stratford Town Centre www.womenstour.co.uk 18 June Stratford Boat Club - Fine Boat Regatta River Avon www.stratford-rowing.co.uk/whats-on 2 & 3 July Stratford River Festival Stratford Recreation Ground www.stratforward.co.uk/events/ stratford-river-festival 9 July Stratford Boat Club - Fun Regatta River Avon www.stratford-rowing.co.uk/whats-on 15 - 17 July Stratford Home and Garden Show Stratford Lower Recreation Ground www.stratfordhomeandgardenshow.co.uk 24 July Shakespeare Lions Raft Race River Avon/Recreation Ground www.raftrace.org.uk/ 8 - 11 Aug Open Heritage Days Stratford Town Centre www.heritageopendays.org.uk 11 Sept Dragon Boat Races River Avon www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk 23 - 25 Sept Stratford Town Centre Food Festival Stratford Town Centre www.stratforward.co.uk/events/ stratford-town-centre-food-festival 22 - 25 Sept Stratford Poetry Festival Stratford Town Centre www.shakespeare.org.uk/ poetry-festival.html 8 - 22 Oct Stratford Music Festival Stratford Town Centre www.stratfordmusicfestival.com 1 - 31 Oct Stratford Halloween Festival Stratford Town Centre www.seekthemagic.org/halloween/ 11 & 12 Oct Stratford Mop Fair Stratford Town Centre www.stratford.gov.uk/leisure/ the-mop-fair.cfm 20 & 21 Oct Stratford Runaway Mop Stratford Town Centre www.stratford.gov.uk/leisure/ the-mop-fair.cfm 24 Nov Christmas Lights Switch On Celebrations Stratford Town Centre www.stratford-tc.gov.uk 3 Dec Small Business Saturday Stratford Town Centre www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com 10 Dec Stratford Santa Run Stratford Town Centre & District www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk Dec Stratford Christmas Markets Stratford Town Centre www.stratford-tc.gov.uk 19 STRATFORD TOWN CENTRE MAP KEY LOCATIONS
© Copyright 2025 Paperzz