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
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.
Bancroft Gardens
The Bancroft Gardens are located on the River Avon adjacent to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Tudor World
Tudor World is an unusual small independent museum set within a Tudor property in Stratford upon Avon.
Shakespeare's New Place
New place, the next chapter
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.
Recreation Centre
A large open public space which includes football pitches and a play area.
Stratford Leisure Centre
Stratford Leisure Centre has a range of facilities including a pool and fitness studio...
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.
Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall
Join in a Tudor school lesson,
dress up Tudor-style for a selfie,
play Tudor games and get messy with quill and ink, marvel at our medieval wall paintings, brush up on your Latin!
The Butterfly Farm
Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm was opened in 1985. It is housed in a large greenhouse, landscaped with waterfalls, ponds and a wide variety of tropical plants. Hundreds of exotic butterflies from all over the world fly within this area.
Canal Basin
Stratford Canal Basin is a bustling environment centrally located between the world famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre and main shopping areas.