Open-air theatre in London

Let’s be honest: it’s a red flag when the most famous English writer of all time has a play about one of the most obsessed over periods in English history and it almost never actually gets staged…

Whether it’s down to a post-pandemic budget squeeze or the desire to freshen up a formula, the Globe has changed its touring policy for 2022…

The great Kathryn Hunter takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Her craggy wildness feels well-suited to Shakespeare’s elemental tragedy of old age, and underscoring the fact it’s a special production, she’ll be joined by Globe boss Michelle Terry, who will co-star in the dual roles of the Fool and Cordelia. 

Directed by Lucy Moss – who did the honours for sleeper West End smash ‘Six’ – this revival of ‘Legally Blonde’ feels less like an update of the 2007 musical, more like a bizarre fever dream about it…

Much like your average British spring, ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is a tale of dark clouds as well as sunshine. But Lucy Bailey’s admirably clear production looks on the bright side of Shakespeare’s play, using a post-war Italian setting to drench its romances in light and warmth…

Another London institution coming back after an enforced two-year absence, the summer of 2022 marks the return of Shakespeare in the Squares, the touring company that brings outdoor productions of the Bard’s plays to a succession of London’s leafiest squares.