This November, we’re thrilled to announce a weekend of socially-distanced, open-air film screenings in our wooden ‘O’ – so grab your popcorn, bundle yourself in a blanket, and pull up a pew (or deck chair!) for Shakespeare on Screen and some of the most popular Shakespearean films of all time. Cue the reel…

Our Shakespeare on Screen weekend runs 13 – 15 November 2020, and features eight much-loved classics, including: our 2012 Twelfth Night with Mark Rylance and Stephen Fry, Shakespeare in Love, Gnomeo and Juliet, West Side Story, Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, The Lion King, Kiss Me Kate and Much Ado About Nothing with Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson.

Twelfth Night (2012)

Our Shakespeare on Screen weekend opens on Friday 13 November with our award-winning, all-male, Original Practices production of Twelfth Night, with Johnny Flynn as Viola, Stephen Fry as Malvolio (those stockings!) and Mark Rylance as Olivia.

Shakespeare in Love

For romance lovers on Friday is Tom Stoppard’s period comedy-drama Shakespeare in Love. Joseph Fiennes makes a dashing William Shakespeare, who falls in love with aspiring actor Viola de Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) during a run of his new play Romeo and Juliet, and later inspiring him to write Twelfth Night. (All completely historically accurate, of course…).

Gnomeo & Juliet

Two words: Garden. Gnomes. The genius family adaptation, Gnomeo & Juliet, is the first of our Romeo and Juliet inspired screenings taking place on Saturday 14 November. This animated version from Touchstone Pictures sees two sets of garden gnomes – the Red hats and the Blue hats – share their owner’s feud in a quaint Stratford-upon-Avon. As well as featuring a star-studded line up, including James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine and Maggie Smith, the score also features songs by Sir Elton John (with an exceptional collaboration with none other than Lady Gaga).

West Side Story

The Jets and the Sharks. Tony and Maria. The musical film sensation, West Side Story, is the second of our Romeo and Juliet inspired takes, and transforms our wooden ‘O’ into the warring streets of New York City and rival gangs. With a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and songs including America, Maria and I Feel Pretty, West Side Story is the most Oscar-awarded musical film of all time.

Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet

Is this the definitive of all Romeo and Juliet film adaptations? Baz Luhrmann’s iconic take concludes our star-crossed lovers-filled Saturday, and transports Shakespeare’s tragedy to Verona Beach. With a party scene, costumes and soundtrack to rival all, Romeo + Juliet saw a young Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes skyrocket to stardom in the 90s.

The Lion King (1994)

The KING of all Disney Classics (in our opinion) The Lion King opens our Shakespeare-inspired film festival on Sunday 15 November. Disney’s answer to Hamlet, join us and go wild for everyone’s favourite lion cub Simba as he journeys from outcast to King of Pride Rock.

Kiss Me Kate

Two divorced actors. A musical Shrew. Shakespeare’s comedy gets a makeover in the hilarious musical adaptation Kiss Me Kate, with classic songs by Cole Porter, including Brush Up Your Shakespeare, Too Darn Hot and I Hate Men.

Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, Keanu Reeves and Denzel Washington bring our Shakespeare on Screen weekend to a close with Much Ado About Nothing. Featuring all the sass, all the zest and all the wit, Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation is one of the most-loved versions of Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy.

As well as enjoying Shakespeare on the big screen in our iconic Globe Theatre, you’ll also be able to pre-order refreshments, as well as pre-screening dining options from our friends at Swan Bar & Restaurant. Stay tuned for further info!

All screenings will be socially-distanced in our open-air Globe Theatre. All tickets must be booked in advance, and you’ll be sitting within your households or support bubbles in the galleries, or deckchairs in the yard. We ask those over the aged of 11 wear a face covering (unless you are exempt). You can read full visitor information and our COVID-19 safety measures online before booking, and this page is continually updated with any changes.