13/07/2026 - 29/07/2026
The Cambridge Shakespeare Festival is a non-commercial cultural and artistic collaboration driven by a shared passion for theatre and, in particular, the works of Shakespeare.
Its productions bring Shakespeare’s plays to life with a fresh, energetic approach, while remaining rooted in authentic theatrical traditions. Performances are staged outdoors in historic settings, using minimal sets and lighting, and feature traditional Elizabethan-inspired costume to place the emphasis firmly on language, performance and imagination.
Each summer, the Festival presents a carefully selected programme of comedies, tragedies and histories, reflecting the full breadth of Shakespeare’s storytelling. The result is a season designed to engage a wide audience, offering something meaningful for both seasoned Shakespeare enthusiasts and those encountering the plays for the first time.
- Much Ado About Nothing - 13 July - 1 August 2026 - St John’s College Gardens
- Romeo and Juliet - 3 August - 29 August 2026 - St John’s College Gardens
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream - 3 August - 29 August 2026 - St John’s College Gardens
- The Merchant of Venice - 3 August - 29 August 2026 - St John’s College Gardens
- The Tempest - 13 July - 1 August 2026 - Downing College Gardens