29 – 31 May 2026

image of event production

A weekend exploring madness in Shakespeare's plays. With performances, conversations and guest speakers. Curated by Nick Hutchison at the Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall.

Raising funds for Second Stage — a charity created to provide training, support and employment routes into the creative industries for those leaving the criminal justice system.

Festival DETAILS

What's On

Fri 29 May 7pm
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
Performance
Book Now

Lear’s Shadow

Colin Hurley brings King Lear to life in a 70-minute whirlwind of wit and heartbreak.

‘An engaging distillate of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy’

British Theatre Guide
Sat 30 May 11am
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall

In Conversation with Sir Jonathan Bate

Shakespeare scholar and author, Jonathan takes us from classroom, to theatre, to emergency room. Whether you’re falling in love, growing old, or losing your mind, if you are patient enough, Shakespeare will give you the words.

Sat 30 May 2pm
Aldeburgh Cinema
cinema
Book Now

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

An Aldeburgh Cinema screening of the all-star 1999 Fox film starring Rupert Everett, Calista Flockhart, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Kline and Michelle Pfeiffer, including a live introduction by director Michael Hoffman.

Sat 30 May 7pm
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
Performance
Book Now

The Play’s The Thing

Mark Lockyer performs a thrilling 90 minute Hamlet embodying the play and all its characters in a visceral production. Stay behind for a post show discussion with Mark, director Fiona Laird and forensic psychiatrist Dr James Anderson.

’Soliloquies that make the skin tingle’

The Guardian
Sun 31 May 11am
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall

She Speaks

What Shakespeare’s Women Might Have Said

Internationally acclaimed actor Dame Harriet Walter performs from her book, giving voice to the women in Shakespeare’s plays.

Sun 31 May 1pm
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
Performance
Book Now

Brunch with the Bard

Finish the weekend in style as internationally renowned cabaret artist, actor and singer Stefan Bednarczyk sings songs from and about the Bard accompanied by drinks and nibbles.

"Stefan Bednarczyk is in the same olympian bracket as Noel Coward and Victor Borge"

The Sunday Times
29–31 May • Aldeburgh

At A Glance

  • Friday, 29 May
  • Saturday, 30 May
  • Sunday, 31 May
image of a concert crowd

29–31 May · Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall

Reserve The Full festival weekend now

Secure your tickets for an unforgettable celebration of Shakespeare’s wildest tales. Join us for ALL performances, talks, and lively company - don’t miss out!