FIRST ENCOUNTERS
Our First Encounters productions are created to give 7-13 year olds a fantastic first experience of Shakespeare whilst also being brilliant introductions for anyone new to his work. Using edited versions of the original language, they bring the plays to life on stage in just 80 minutes to create the perfect introduction for young people and their families.
Upcoming Tours
Our next First Encounters touring production is Julius Caesar in Autumn 2026. We are extremely excited to be collaborating with director Phyllida Lloyd, to remount her production, which played at the Donmar Warehouse over 13 years ago. The production is set in an all-female prison and stars Harriet Walter.
We have already contacted the 5 second Associate Schools who will host this tour for one week each in Autumn 2026. It will then play at The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, for a six-week run.
Age guidance for this production is 11+. For more information on the themes and content of the play, please visit our content advisory page.
Although this production is not suitable for younger learners, we encourage teachers to see production on tour or in Stratford. You can find the dates of the Stratford run here.
You can find Learning Resources for all ages here.
First Encounters: Julius Caesar, 2026.
Past Tours
First Encounters: King Lear, Autumn 2025
Directed by Justine Theman, with set and costume design by Anisha Fields and music by Arun Ghosh.
First Encounters: The Tempest, Spring 2025
Directed by Aaron Parsons, with set and costume design by Aldo Vázquez and sound & music by Jack Drewry.
First Encounters: Romeo and Juliet, Spring 2024
Directed by Philip J Morris, with design by Ebrahim Nazier and music by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell.
