About the Festival

In 1989, Neale Warrington, from the Australian Shakespeare Company and the former Shire of Avon, initiated discussions on how a Festival could build on the village name of Stratford and its links to William Shakespeare. To further shape the festival, a committee was formed under the chairmanship of Shire President Denise Stothers, Secretary George Brayshaw and other local identities.

The first festival was held in 1991 presenting a Midsummer Nights Dream by a local theatre group and the Twelfth Night by the Australian Shakespeare Company under the direction of Neale Warrington. The Australian Shakespeare Company returned in 1992 and 1994 bringing King Lear and Hamlet to Stratford. During these early years, the festival consisted of this performance over 3 nights and 2 days.

In 1995, the committee reformed as the Stratford on Avon Shakespeare Association with the aim to have a more community orientated approach to the Festival. Under the new chairman, former Shire President Janice Jones and Secretary Sheila Malady, the festival included a community presentation directed by Clifton Kline and developed the concept of a Village Fair.

The Festival has run continuously since 1996 being anchored on the first weekend in May and includes a number of different workshops, performances and events from a variety of companies. The Festival has grown to include over 20 different events being performed over a 2,5 week period.

The people of Stratford, The Festival management team and the best artists from around the region and guest Melbourne and Sydney based professional companies will take you on a culturally engaging journey back in time.