Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has announced that its latest exhibition, exploring some of Shakespeare’s most fascinating female characters, will open on Saturday 26 April at the playwright’s final home in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The new exhibition, Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words, at Shakespeare’s New Place is part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's multi-year project, The Women Who Made Shakespeare. This exhibition showcases Titania, Cleopatra, Lady Macbeth and Beatrice, as unique representations of Shakespeare’s creative craft.
‘’The female characters in William Shakespeare’s plays are some of the most fascinating and enduring parts he wrote. This exhibition explores what it means to ‘play a woman’s part’, within the contexts of Shakespeare’s imagination and the conventions of the stage.”
Commented Professor Charlotte Scott, academic advisor at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust who curated the exhibition.
Opening on Saturday 26 April, during the Shakespeare Birthday celebrations, visitors are invited to a joyous exploration of the words and worlds of these characters, supported through costumes from the Royal Shakespeare Company, scents and carefully selected objects from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s world-class collection.
Audiences will have the opportunity to consider what makes these female characters continue to resonate with people today.
“We are thankful to our friends at the Royal Shakespeare Company for the loan of these costumes and the life that they give to these characters in performance.”
Supported by items from our collections, we are excited for audiences to explore some of the informing contexts in which Shakespeare lived and worked.
Added Rachael North, CEO of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
The exhibition has been designed by award-winning creative agency Vertigo Creative.
Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words is open from Saturday 26 April until Sunday 2 November 2025 at Shakespeare’s New Place and is included in the Shakespeare’s Story or Shakespeare New Place admission ticket.
For more information visit shakespeare.org.uk/.
Learn more about The Women Who Made Shakespeare shakespeare.org.uk/explore-
The Female Characters Explored in the Exhibition and the Costumes on Display:
- Titania, the Fairy Queen – RSC’s 2016 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, costume worn by Ayesha Dharker
- Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile – RSC’s 2017 production of Anthony and Cleopatra, costume worn by Josette Simon
- The imposing Lady Macbeth – RSC’s 2018 production of Macbeth, costume worn by Niamh Cusack
- The Lady of Distain, Beatrice – RSC’s 2022 production of Much Ado About Nothing, costume worn by Akiya Henry
Tudor World
Tudor World is an unusual small independent museum set within a Tudor property in Stratford upon Avon.
Clue B or Not Clue B - Detective Adventure
An immersive and interactive outdoor escapade on the streets of Stratford for groups of 2-5 people. Experience a mixture of interactions, delightful puzzles, and hilarious moments, can you put the pieces of information together to solve the mystery?
Hall's Croft
Hall's Croft was home to Shakespeare's eldest daughter Susanna and her esteemed husband Dr John Hall before they moved to New Place on Shakespeare's death.
Anne Hathaways Cottage
Visit Anne Hathaway Cottage, the beautiful 500 year old cottage where Shakespeare courted his bride to be. See original furniture including the Hathaway bed and uncover five centuries of stories and 13 generations of the family who lived there.
The Shopping Experience
Stratford-upon-Avon hosts a huge range of shops and boutiques. Here you can pick up stylish cothes and gifts with a difference!
Stratford Town Walk
Join the DAILY, award-winning Stratford Town Walk (established 2002) for an entertaining guided walk through the charming streets of Stratford-upon-Avon.
RSC Clore Learning Centre
Working as actors, students will explore the plays practically unlocking language and characters as we do in RSC rehearsal rooms. Workshops start with a warm up which encourages teamwork and introduces them to key themes of the play.
Canal Basin
Stratford Canal Basin is a bustling environment centrally located between the world famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre and main shopping areas.
Stratford Play House
Situated in the centre of Stratford the Stratford Play House hosts a variety of concerts, performances and events.
Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse
Steeplechasing has taken place at Stratford Racecourse since 1755 and today are proud to be in the top flight of Britain's smaller courses...
Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words
The new exhibition, Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words, at Shakespeare’s New Place is part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's multi-year project, The Women Who Made Shakespeare.
Royal Shakespeare Company & Theatres
One of the world's best-known theatre ensembles, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) performs at its home in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The company focuses on works by Shakespeare, other renaissance dramatists and contemporary writers.