This week marks the birthday of William Shakespeare, whose plays have echoed through our stages, classrooms and our grounds since first opening our doors.

Here is a glimpse at just some of the ways we’ve celebrated, performed and reimaged his timeless works.

400th anniversary

1964 marked the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth, commemorated at Rose Bruford College with a visit from Sir John Gielgud and the Poet Laureate John Masefield. The event included the awarding of the Masefield Prize. Gielgud is widely regarded as one the greatest Shakespearian actors.

A black-and-white photo of a large group of people gathered outside a white brick building, possibly during a formal event or ceremony. Most are dressed in mid-20th-century formal attire, including suits, dresses, and pearls. The central focus is a young woman in a light-colored dress speaking with two older men, while others around them smile and observe

Students with Sir John Gielgud, John Masefield and Rose Bruford

Primary Shakespeare Company and The Riverside School

For seven years, Rose Bruford College has partnered with the Primary Shakespeare Company and Riverside School. Each year, BA and MA Actor Musicianship students and MA Theatre for Children and Young People explore sensory theatre techniques through one of Shakespeare’s plays.

This year, the chosen play was Hamlet – with the story broken down to its essence and celebrated through multisensory experiences and live music. The project culminated in four interactive performances for children identified as having Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties and performed at Riverside School and The Wyvern School.

The project is led by Jeremy Harrison, Programme Director for MA Actor Musicianship and MA Theatre for Children and Young People and SEND Lead for the Primary Shakespeare Company with Dr. Gill Brigg and Greg Palmer.

The Tempest, 2021

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, The Tempest braved the elements and was staged on the college grounds.

Shakespeare Masterclass, 2025

Rose Bruford College President Ray Fearon joined our BA Acting and BA Actor Musicianship students for an inspiring session on Julius Caesar. After training at Rose Bruford College, Ray built a celebrated stage career, working extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company. His credits include Othello, Romeo and Juliet and Hecuba. In 2012, he took on the role of Mark Antony in Gregory Doran’s acclaimed production of Julius Caesar.