First Encounters: Julius Caesar
The Other Place
5-28 November 2026
‘Liberty, freedom, tyranny is dead!’
Harriet Walter reprises her role as Brutus in Phyllida Lloyd’s groundbreaking 2012 Donmar Warehouse production, bringing world-class theatre to schools across England, and to The Other Place.
From the back of a prison van, Ancient Rome is brought to the stage. Reflecting their own preoccupations with freedom and justice, a group of female prisoners present a 90-minute version of Julius Caesar. Soon, story and reality collide, and the impact of power politics feels very close to home.
Caesar’s creeping dominance in Rome risks democracy. A collective of conspirators secretly recruit the popular senator Brutus and they assassinate Caesar to reclaim the republic for the citizens. As terror and chaos rule the streets, Shakespeare’s politically-charged play exposes how the overthrow of a tyrant by violent means seldom leads to a peaceful outcome.
This First Encounters with Shakespeare tour in a co-production with KPPL Productions, sees Harriet Walter and the company in residence in five RSC partner secondary schools across the country, inviting young people to voice their opinions on how the themes of the play speak to our world today. On specified performances, audiences will be invited to join in post-show discussions about the critical questions raised by the production.
Dates:
5-28 November 2026
Group Rates:
Groups tbc
Schools 10+ from £27
Age Recommendation:
11+
Performance times:
RSC rep 19.15/13.15
Performance times:
tbc
Additional Guidance:
This production features:
Loud music
Flashing lights
Theatre Address:
22 Southern Ln, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BH
Map:
Getting There:
The RSC's The Other Place is about 15 minutes' walk from Stratford-Upon-Avon station. Coach parking is available in Stratford-Upon-Avon,
Coach drivers should consult the local council website for more information here.
Workshop Suggestion:
Theatre Workout recommends our Shakespeare masterclass, exploring professional acting techniques used by the cast in rehearsals and on stage to bring the play to life, helping your group to develop a better understanding of Shakespeare's work, and the themes of the play.
Find out more about Theatre Workout's award-winning Stratford workshops at www.theatreworkout.com/stratford.