The RSC’s popular Holloway Garden Theatre returns to the Swan Gardens for a limited summer season in July and August 2024.

The outdoor theatre was built in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, providing seating for up to 500 people, with great views of the stage. Now rebuilt for 2024, the theatre features performances of works by Shakespeare, family-friendly workshops and events, during the summer holidays.

As You Like It

The RSC presents Shakespeare’s outdoorsy romantic comedy, As You Like It, its opening performance taking place on Thurs 18 July at 5pm. 

After meeting and falling in love at a wrestling match of all places, a family feud forces both Rosalind and Orlando to run for the hills - or more specifically, the Forest of Arden. Several disguises and a lot of love poetry later, will they find their way back to each other? 

The Holloway Garden promises to be the perfect venue for this condensed production, which runs at just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Performances run until Sunday 1 September - the perfect play for a summer afternoon.

Next Generation

The RSC’s Next Generation, a talent development programme for young people across the country, presents a fresh approach to Shakespeare’s romantic comedy - The Two Gentlemen of Verona - where first loves, betrayal and a dog, all collide in music and mayhem.

The play is performed across three days from Thursday 22 - Saturday 24 August, and offers the opportunity for young people to develop their skills in acting, directing and work backstage, supporting them in their first steps into the world of work.

Open Stage 2024

The RSC has also welcomed groups from across the UK, to see what they’d like to create on the Holloway Garden Theatre Stage. The programme includes a condensed version of The Tempest, performed by Silhouette Youth, an associate theatre partner of the RSC.

There’s also Star Crossed Fools, based on the story of Romeo and Juliet - featuring multiple-choice endings and audience participation. The show is performed by Lucid Spark theatre company, who seek to redefine the traditional theatre experience. 

Just Be You is a family performance, suitable for all, but focussed on children aged 3-11. The show takes place in Fairyland - it’s a playful new outdoor musical, gently exploring themes of wellbeing, nature and identity.

The Open Stage programme also includes theatre, writing and craft family workshops. Visit the website to find out more.