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
The Bear Pit Theatre
100 seat theatre in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon
Recreation Centre
A large open public space which includes football pitches and a play area.
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.
Stratford Play House
Situated in the centre of Stratford the Stratford Play House hosts a variety of concerts, performances and events.
Ragley Hall
A warm welcome to Ragley Hall, ancestral seat of the Hertford family for over 300 years. Set in thousands of acres of its own estate overlooking unspoilt Warwickshire countryside since its initial opening in 1958.
Bancroft Gardens
The Bancroft Gardens are located on the River Avon adjacent to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
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!
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.
Boat Trips on the River
Choose to take a boat trip on the river with Avon Boating, Bancroft Cruisers and the Countess of Evesham...
Tudor World
Tudor World is an unusual small independent museum set within a Tudor property in Stratford upon Avon.
Self Guided City Walk & Interactive Treasure Hunt
Embark on a self-guided adventure through historic Stratford-upon-Avon with the Go Quest Adventures app. Find clues, solve puzzles and complete challenges as you explore the area's top landmarks and hidden gems.
Stratford-on-Avon Tennis Club
SOATC is a section of the Stratford Sports Club, tucked away in an idyllic location by the side of the river Avon, in the heart of Shakespeare's birthplace. Featuring a free online Court Booking system for all members.