Canterbury Shakespeare Festival returns in 2026 with an array of amazing performances!
Macbeth
23rd – 26th July
Shakespeare’s classic tale, told in a traditional production. Witness the dramatic clash between Macbeth and his foe Macduff come to life as his ambitions are spurred on by conniving Lady Macbeth.
Book here for the performance in Canterbury
Book here for the performance in Ashford
Chekhov’s Seagull
30th July-1st August
A drama exploring the unfulfilled lives, romantic entanglements, and artistic conflicts of characters at a Russian country estate. It focuses on young playwright Konstantin’s failed art and love for Nina, who is seduced by the famous author Trigorin, causing immense despair and leading to fatal consequences.
Book here for the performances in July
Book here for the performances in August
PufflingPants
28th-29rd July
4th-12th August
Shakespeare for people who don’t like Shakespeare! PufflingPants delivers bite-sized chunks from Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night and The Merchant of Venice, and demonstrates the beauty of the text through the medium of costume. Join Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Hathaway and William Shakespeare himself as they present the scenes to her Majesty and to you!
Book here for the performances in July
Book here for the performances in August
The City-Heiress by Aphra Behn
6th-8th August
After the success of last year’s The Younger Brother and The Emperor of the Moon, we’re bringing Aphra Behn back! This time, young rake George Wilding tries to keep his rich uncle happy whilst also dallying with not one, not two but three different women. Expect mistaken identity, plotting, schemes and shenanigans in this ridiculous comedy from Canterbury’s very own writer.
Tempest in a Teacup
30th – 31st July
1st-2nd August
Our friends at Cut-Out Theatre return! After their roaring successes with A Kidsummer Night’s Dream, they now bring a fantastic new production, based on Shakespeare’s classic tale, to families. This version of The Tempest has all the comedy and drama of the original play but is considerably shorter (about 50 minutes) with more audience interaction and none of the boring speeches. However, within the informal theatrical style occasional snippets of original text slip in to allow the audience to experience the glorious rhythm and musicality of Shakespearean language.
Book here for the performances in July
Book here for the performances in August
The Winter’s Tale
13th-15th August
We finish up this summer’s season with a new take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy, The Winter’s Tale. In this new production, be transported to the worlds of 60s Italian cinema as monochromatic celluloid tells the story in a fresh and interesting way.
