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
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.
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.
Recreation Centre
A large open public space which includes football pitches and a play area.
The Royal Shakespeare Company and Theatres - The Other Place
The Other Place is a creative hub for learning, research and development with rehearsal rooms and a 200-seat studio theatre.
Escape Live Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare's newest play is set to open at The Globe theatre tonight, the crowds have gathered and the house is full. To keep the script under wraps Shakespeare kept just one copy and an hour before the curtain is due to go up, it's gone missing!
Canal & River Tours
You can now enjoy leisurely 45 min boat tours from the very centre of Stratford upon Avon with regular departures every day. Group Bookings and exclusive private hire enquiries welcome, please see our website for further details.
Shakespeare's New Place
New place, the next chapter
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.
Bancroft Gardens
The Bancroft Gardens are located on the River Avon adjacent to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Stratford Play House
Situated in the centre of Stratford the Stratford Play House hosts a variety of concerts, performances and events.
Wellesbourne Market
Wellesbourne market is one of the UK's largest outdoor markets. The market site is situated 5 miles from Stratford/Warwick/Leamington on the A429 at Wellesbourne Airfield. Open every Saturday and Summer Bank Holiday Monday's from 9am to 4pm.
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?