2024: “ELEMENTS OF SHAKESPEARE”

eLEMENTS OF SHAKESPEARE

Welcome to the heart of Stratford on the River Avon, where the world of Shakespeare is not merely a stage but a vibrant tapestry woven from the very elements of life and the forces of the natural world. Immerse yourself in a festival that seamlessly blends the alchemy of chemical elements, the magic of timeless tales, and the beauty of nature; promising a spectacle that transcends all elements of tragedy, history and comedy.

We have a jam packed program for 2024.

Full program launch and tickets open on 4 March, 2024.

 

OFFICIAL FESTIVAL OPENING

Thursday April 18, 6.30pm
The Stratford Courthouse, 66 Princes Highway, Stratford

Tickets: Free event, booking preferred

Our official launch at The Stratford Courthouse Theatre. Featuring live performances, announcement of the winners in the Sheila Malady Short story competition and our annual festival awards.

 

"THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR"
THE COMMUNITY PLAYERS

Directed by Emma Barber

Friday April 26, 7.30pm
Saturday April 27, 7.30pm
Sunday April 28, 2pm
Thursday May 2, 7.30pm
Friday May 3, 7.30pm
Saturday May 4, 7.30pm

This timeless comedy follows the misadventures of the lovable rogue Sir John Falstaff as he attempts to woo not one, but two clever and resourceful wives. Be entertained as the women turn the tables on Falstaff, creating a hilarious web of misunderstandings and uproarious situations.

Whether you're a Shakespeare enthusiast or a first-time theatregoer, this play's universal elements of love, jealousy, and trickery will resonate with audiences of all ages.

All shows performed at the Stratford Courthouse Theatre, 66 Princes Highway, Stratford

Tickets: Adults $25 // Concession $20


The Bard’s Banquet: ENCHANTED GARDEN PARTY

Saturday April 20, 7.30pm
The Mechanics Hall, 17 Hobson St, Stratford VIC 3862

Tickets: All tickets $70 (includes dinner + entertainment)

Step into the enchanting world of the Elements of Shakespeare at the grand garden party hosted by the mischievous Puck, the graceful Titania, and the regal Oberon. Amidst the fragrant blooms and twinkling fairy lights, guests are transported to a realm of magic and merriment inspired by the Bard's timeless tales. As lovers' quarrels unfold, jesters entertain with witty repartee and fairies flit about spreading joy and mischief. Join us for an evening of revelry where dreams and reality intertwine in a delightful fusion of Shakespearean elegance and otherworldly charm.

Book early for this ever popular event. The Bard’s Bar will be open serving locally crafted beer, cider & wines.

Come dressed to impress in your best as we feast and dance the night away in our ‘Elements’ themed event. We can’t wait for this!

"Titus Apocalypse" 
Groundwork Youth Theatre

Thursday April 18, 8pm
Saturday April 20, 5pm
Sunday April 21, 11am

Stratford Courthouse Theatre, 66 Princes Highway, Stratford

Amongst all the horrors and carnage of Shakespeare’s bloodiest play apocalyptic elements begin to arise… Watch as the four horsemen of the apocalypse are brought to the stage to influence the warring characters in our Youth Theatre's rendition of Titus Andronicus.

Three shows only, come support our young thespians with another daring take of a Shakespearian classic. Groundwork Youth Theatre is open to those 15-25 with a keen interest in creating theatre and meets weekly in Stratford throughout the school term.

Tickets: Adults $20 // Concession $15

https://www.facebook.com/groundworkyouththeatre/

“SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE”
FILM SCREENING UNDER THE STARS

In partnership with “Films at the Bundy”

Friday, April 19, 7pm

ArtCOLT Compound, Cnr Dixon St & Railway Reserve Rd, Stratford

Embrace the elements as we join together to enjoy a free screening of “Shakespeare in Love” under the stars at the creative hub, the ArtCOLT.

BYO beanbags/picnic rugs and favourite movie snacks!

Tickets: FREE EVENT

 

SHAKESPEARE IN THERAPY
THE COURTHOUSE KIDS

Monday April 29, 5.30pm
Stratford Courthouse Theatre, 66 Princes Highway, Stratford

Tickets: FREE EVENT - bookings essential

Directed by Rachael Nicholls



Traditional Evensong

Sunday, April 21, 4.30pm
Holy Trinity Church, 26 McFarlane Street, Stratford

Tickets: Free event, no booking required

Evensong at the Holy Trinity Church is a Shakespeare on the River Festival tradition. Come along and celebrate this ecumenical service with us.



mAFFRA SECONDARY SCHOOL PRESENTS: SHORT SHAKESPEARE Pyramus and Thisbe

Sunday, May 5 (Faire Day), 11am
Sunday May 5 (Faire Day), 2pm
Stratford Courthouse Theatre, 66 Princes Highway, Stratford

Tickets: All tickets $5

Whether you're a seasoned Shakespeare enthusiast or a newcomer to his works, Maffra Secondary College's Short Shakespeare performance of "Pyramus and Thisbe" offers something for everyone - in just 30 minutes!

Do want love? Intrigue? Magic? A group of Greek peasants performing a play badly? Pyramus and Thisbe has it all. Ripped directly from Shakespeare's Midsummer Nights Dream, Pyramus and Thisbe is Maffra Secondary College's debut performance for the Shakespeare festival and we have some very talented actors ready and waiting to show what they have got. With some crowd favourite characters such as Nick Bottom, Peter Quince and that ever pesky fairy Puck be ready for some fun.

Don't miss your chance to experience some of the magic of Shakespeare brought to life on stage as we have a strictly limited run. Book your tickets now and immerse yourself in a world where love knows no bounds, tragedy knows no mercy and people make donkeys of themselves.

Avon Village Faire & Market

Sunday May 5, 10am-3pm

Stratford Village Green, Cnr Dixon St & Railway Reserve Rd, Stratford

Tickets: Free event, no booking required.

In 2024 there will be a grand variety of traditional arts and crafts, food and beverages, fresh produce, together with exhibitions and displays.

Features of the day:

• Children’s games on the “Village Green”
• Local stalls and demonstrations
• Street performers, exhibitions, and buskers
• Instrumental and vocal ensembles

For more information on Faire Day, head to our dedicated Faire Day page here.


Faire turns to Dark with our Elemental Nights from 3pm

Following traditional Faire Day celebrations on Sunday, May 5 we present - “Elemental Nights”.

Music and feasting by the fire at the ArtCOLT with performances by The Singers Songwriters Storytellers of Stratford.

3pm-7pm

ArtCOLT Compound, Cnr Dixon St & Railway Reserve Rd, Stratford

Licensed bar and food trucks serving til dark.

Tickets: FREE EVENT


“O” Day @ Stratford High."
COMBINED STRATFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL GRADE 6 STUDENTS

Wednesday May 1, 1.30pm
Thursday May 2, 1.30pm
Friday May 3, 6pm

The Mechanics Hall, 17 Hobson St, Stratford VIC 3862

The play unfolds as the current year 6 Stratford Primary students visit Stratford High for orientation day. They will soon discover this is a school where the classes are not your usual three “R’s”. Who knew the Elements of Shakespeare could still teach us so much.

Featuring the grade 6 students of Stratford Primary and St Patrick’s Primary School Stratford the combined school’s production has been a part of our festival for over 25 years. A wonderful coming together of young people that has now been shared by generations of Stratford locals.

Tickets: All tickets $5

An original script inspired by The Bard and written by local dance/theatre teacher Miss Bel.