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'Odds & Evens' Water Restrictions until further notice

There's currently a ban on sprinklers, irrigation systems, and unattended hoses for those using the Stratford, Toko, and Midhirst water supply. Handheld hoses can be used based on house number: even numbered houses on even days and odd numbered houses on odd days. Click / tap to find out more...

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Stratford Shakespeare Festival 6-13 April

Date

Categories

Events and Festivals
Theatre and Dance
Family:
Family friendly event
Cost
Cost varies, some events free.
Visit the website for details.

The Bard is back!

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival returns for 2024 with an unbelievable line up, including critically acclaimed comedian Penny Ashton with her hilarious take on Shakespeare and the world renowned PopUp Globe bringing the full cast to the King's Theatre for the smash hit Twelfth Night!

Get your tickets NOW - they will sell out.

Event details can be found below and online at stratfordshakespearefestnz.co.nz

This wonderful festival is brought to you by the Stratford Shakespeare Trust with support from Creative Communities NZ, Taranaki Electricity Trust and Taranaki Foundation.

Find out more

Programme of events:

Not sure if Shakespeare is for you?

Come along and check out these AMAZING free shows from the masters of outdoor theatre! You might find yourself laughing, singing and dancing... you might even cry! The Barden Party were the stars of the 2023 Festival and have returned from dazzling audiences in Australia with a brand new show!

Two shows:

  • Saturday 6 April - 1pm, King Edward Park
  • Sunday 7 April - 1pm, Te Popo Gardens

King's Theatre - 6 April, 7.30pm

A SHREW’D NEW COMEDY BY WILL SHAKESPEARE & PENNY ASHTON

Sicily’s beloved King Enzo is dead.

Now Princess Rosa, a stroppy spinster, must navigate the tempestuous waters of belching stepfathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches, to face her destiny.

Award-winning Comedian Penny Ashton (Promise and Promiscuity, Olive Copperbottom) presents her latest literary solo musical, sparking 13 characters into life in an Elizabethan tale of magic, meddling and puffed bull’s pizzles.

“... a funny and clever romp...an excellently written script that Shakespeare himself would be proud of.” Theatrescenes.

Buy tickets here

Macbeth

King's Theatre - 8 April, 1.30pm

Ugly Shakespeare Company, who have been dazzling audiences with high speed, irreverent productions for years, bring one of the Bard's most popular works to stage. This is the absolute best introduction to Shakespeare you will ever have!

Free entry to schools.

Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival - Taranaki entries

King's Theatre - 9 April, 3.30

Door sales $5

The best talent from Taranaki Secondary Schools converge on The King's Theatre for regional qualifier for the annual nationwide Shakespeare Competition that always delivers an outstanding spectacle.

King's Theatre - 11 & 12 April, 7.30pm

TWELFTH NIGHT is the new production which delighted audiences at Q Theatre in October. It is rowdy, rambunctious and joyful. There are love songs, shipwrecks, cross-dressing, pirates, yellow stockings, and a show-stopping belly dancing scene. Audiences feedback on our socials included “The best rendition of Twelfth Night I have ever seen!”, “Amazing production. We laughed and laughed!!!”, and “Amazing first night – so glad you are back!”. This show was a hit at Q Theatre, selling out most of its capacity with almost no advertising.

Tickets to Thursday 11 April
Tickets to Friday 12 April

Stratford Racecourse - 13 April

This was the highlight of the 2023 Festival and will be another fantastic day with Medieval battles, horse displays, great food, music, dancing and all the fun of the Medieval fair.

Come and check the market or just relax in the ShakesBeer Garden.

Follow the Stratford Shakespeare Trust on Facebook

Stratfords of the World 2025 - Whakaahurangi whakaemi!

In January 2025 Stratford in Taranaki will be hosting representatives from Stratfords all around the world; England, USA, Canada and Australia.

We need all the host families we can get to help us make this an event to remember!

This is your chance to show the world what New Zealand, Taranaki and Stratford has to offer. Make wonderful new friendships and open the opportunity to visit other Stratfords for future events.

If you want to become a host for Stratfords of the World 2025, please fill out the online form via the link below.

Host application

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