As the holidays draw to a close and families stop scratching their heads over how to occupy the kids, we’re seeing some of the Summer’s activities winding down, but Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre at Blenheim Palace is with us for one final spellbinding week…
It’s been one of the most exciting events this season – Europe’s first pop-up Shakespeare theatre. We’re used to “pop-ups” by now…little tents housing boutiques or flash-in-the-pan store takeovers, right? WRONG. This particular venue has been the mother of all pop-ups, with a full-scale Elizabethan playhouse complete with medieval town, all set among the stunning landscaped scenery that surrounds one of Britain’s most iconic stately homes; Blenheim Palace: the birthplace of Churchill, the site of Dior’s legendary fashion show and, all this summer, the home of the bard. And one thing is for sure, Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre at Blenheim Palace is one thing you truly don’t want to miss.
Inspired by the Rose Theatre, which was built in 1587 – a full 12 years before the world-famous Globe – the pop-up venue can seat 560 visitors, with standing room for a further 340 “groundlings”. I say standing room, but smart people take a full supply of cushions and picnic blankets and wind up with the best view in the house! The live performances are delivered by a superbly talented cast, complete with orchestra, in an open-air forum. Choose from Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo & Juliet and Richard III; from now until 7th September (that’s this Saturday!) all four plays can still be caught, with both matinees and evening performances available.
However, it’s not just a play you’ll have to see while visiting Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre at Blenheim Palace. The sheer effort that has gone into creating a completely immersive setting means you’ll be truly transported to Tudor England. Before even entering the theatre you’ll find carts and thatched stands offering craft beers and good ol’ English grub, while wagons provide the platform for stand-up comics, entertainers and a medieval minstrel or two. What’s more, the Elizabethan village itself is free to enter, so if you don’t have three hours to enjoy a show, you can still make-believe you’re in medieval times.
If you want to truly make a day of Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre at Blenheim Palace, combine your ticket with entry to Blenheim Palace, Formal Gardens and Parkland – you can even convert this ticket to a free Blenheim Palace Annual Pass! You’ll be able to amble through the staterooms, soak up (even more) history and take some truly social-media worthy snaps in the gorgeous grounds of the palace. With a dash of royalty, a smattering of Shakespeare and some good old fashioned fun, Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre at Blenheim Palace is a must-see before it goes!
Top tips for enjoying your visit:
- Take a blanket/jumper. The plays can be long and the theatre is open-air, so it can get chilly!
- If visiting as a “groundling” make sure you take some comfy cushions and blankets to prevent numb bottoms!
- Combined ticket holders planning to visit the palace first should arrive early and leave plenty of time. Last entry is 16:45; matinees are shown at 2:00 pm and evening performances at 7:30 pm
- Parking is available, as well as disabled access, but there is also a Park & Ride service for those visiting from out of town. (A special late-night Park & Ride runs to Oxford city centre, leaving at 22:45 pm on the dot, straight after the evening performance)
- Book tickets for the Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre at Blenheim Palace here. Show-only tickets begin from £13 for children and £15 for adults (groundlings) or from £22 for seats. Family tickets that include entry to Blenheim Palace start from £27.50
