What's on in October

This autumn, we welcome David Edgar's The New Real to The Other Place, Othello takes over the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and there's a seriously spooky line-up of half term activities for the whole family!

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THE NEW REAL

In a faraway country, a ferocious election is about to be fought, and it's hard to tell what's real and what's fake. Holly Race Roughan (Artistic Director of Headlong) directs the premiere of The New Real, David Edgar’s panoramic play about how the political fault-line was redrawn.

Discover more about the production at our free Post Show Stay Late on Friday 18 October.

The New Real is playing at The Other Place from 3 October until 2 November

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John Douglas Thompson as Othello stood to the left of Will Keen as Iago. They are lit in green light and stood against a dark red background

OTHELLO

The legendary John Douglas Thompson (Till, Theatre for A New Audience’s The Merchant of Venice) takes the title role opposite Will Keen (Operation Mincemeat, Wolf Hall) as Iago and Juliet Rylance (McMafia, Perry Mason) as Desdemona, in Shakespeare's tale of betrayal and jealousy.

Join Director Tim Carroll for the Othello: Director Talk on 21 October at 5.15pm. 

Othello plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 11 October to 23 November.

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Karim's dad Haroon wearing a party hat dancing, arms upraised

THE BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA

Having delighted audiences in the Swan earlier this year, this bright and joyous adaptation of Hanif Kureishi's award-winning coming of age novel novel comes to the Barbican.

Director Emma Rice brings her unique style to this exploration of family, friends, sex, theatre and, ultimately, belonging, in a production that will you leave you ‘on a rare high’ (Telegraph).

The Buddha of Suburbia plays at the Barbican, from 22 October to 16 November.

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JUST ANNOUNCED AND BOOKING IN OCTOBER

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HAMLET Hail to the Thief

Your chance to book tickets for our frenetic adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet haunted by Radiohead’s Hail to the Thief. Shakespeare’s great tragedy and Radiohead’s seminal album collide for a feverish experience that fuses theatre, music, and movement. It plays in Stratford in June 2025 but tickets could go fast...

Adapted and directed by Christine Jones and Steven Hoggett
Orchestrations by Thom Yorke
A co-production with Factory International

Priority Booking opens from 30 September, Public Booking from 2 October. 

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OCTOBER HALF TERM ACTIVITIES

It's spooky season, and we have a line-up of amazing free and bookable half term events for all ages:

  • MACBETH: STORYTELLING - Experience the Scottish play through games, stories and play (4+)
  • TWILIGHT HOUR - Drop in for spooky speeches, stage fights and more! (5+)
  • ESCAPE ROOM - Can you escape from the RSC prop store? (5+)
  • FAMILY PUPPETRY WORKSHOP - Discover monsters, fairies and much more! (6+)
  • BLOOD, GUTS AND GORE - Your favourite gruesome special effects workshop is back (8+)
  • STAGECRAFT WORKSHOPS - From acting and stage combat, to writing for stage and screen, for ages 8 to 18

  • FREE FAMILY GHOST TOURS - Join our tour guides to hear ghostly stories and spooky tales from the theatre (6+) Booking from Monday 30 September.

Discover more and book now

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18-25 ACTING MASTERCLASS

Join specialist RSC practitioners for this two-day acting masterclass for 18-25-year-olds. You will:

  • Explore how to open up, interpret, and perform Shakespeare
  • Work on select dialogues and soliloquies, focusing on Othello as a source text
  • Includes a meet and greet, and feedback with a representative from the RSC Casting team

The masterclass takes place on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November, from 10am.

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18-25 Acting Masterclass

DISCOVER DAYS

We've got two Discover Days for you this month, based around the history and heritage of the RSC.

Friday 11 October: Go behind the scenes on an exclusive tour of the RSC Collection. Sneak a peek at props, costumes, sets, designs and unique objects from shows across the RSC's history.

Saturday 12 October: Delve into what it means for the RSC to have museum status, the history of the building itself, and how the RSC engages with heritage practice.

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GET AHEAD FOR CHRISTMAS

Yes, we know it's only October, but Christmas is just around the corner. From gifts to celebrations, there's so much to enjoy, for yourself, your family and as gifts this holiday season.

CHRISTMAS AT THE RSC - Discover a dark fairytale The Red Shoes or drop in on Shakespeare's festive comedy of twins, unrequited love, music and mischief with Twelfth Night.

DINE WITH US - Treat yourself to a sumptuous meal at our Rooftop Restaurant. Tuck into A Midsummer Night's Dream afternoon tea, or book a table to sample our seasonal menu - plus, don't forget a festive cocktail.

DRESS TO THE NINES - Got a fancy Christmas event coming up? Head to our Costume Hire service and choose an outfit that is guaranteed to light up the dancefloor.

GIFTS FOR ALL - Our gift shop at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is the ultimate present destination. From books, DVDs, music and memorabilia, to toys, games and clothing, there's something for every Shakespeare fan. 

GIFT VOUCHERS - The perfect present for the person who has everything! RSC gift vouchers can be spent on theatre tickets, tours, RSC Memberships, workshops or programmes.

RSC MEMBERSHIPS - From £50, give them the joy of Priority Booking and discounts with an RSC Membership.

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Booking now for

The Red Shoes

Twelfth Night

The Buddha of Suburbia