The Tempest - The Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford
Saturday 20th June, 2026 - 1.15pm matinee performance
'But this rough magic I here abjure.'
Join us for a matinee performance of legendary Director Sir Richard Eyre's epic new Royal Shakespeare Company production of William Shakespeare's late masterpiece, The Tempest, starring multi-award winning actor, director and writer, Kenneth Branagh, taking on the role of Prospero for the very first time, and making an historic return to the RSC after more than 30 years.
On a remote island, an exiled Duke prepares to perform his swansong, his great act of revenge. Kenneth Branagh takes the role of Prospero in Shakespeare’s final play, a meditation on art, power and freedom, directed by Richard Eyre.
Prospero summons his magical gifts into a devastating sea storm which hurls a ship’s crew onto the island – among them his usurping brother. With supernatural islanders as unwilling agents of his scheme and the castaways spellbound, Prospero’s plot advances. Old scores must be settled; his daughter Miranda must find love.
But as his vision unfolds, a different ending emerges – one of forgiveness, love, compassion. And with it, the chance to renounce his magic forever.
Our trip includes door to door travel from Bristol to The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon and premium stall seats for the 1.15pm matinee performance.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is now sold out for this performance but we have managed to secure a limited number of seats. Demand will be high, so please request places first via Helen Sutton (helen@crownchurchandarts.co.uk) BEFORE making payment. Once your place is confirmed, you can then make payment asap via the methods below.
Full Details
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Transport: Door to door luxury minibus
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Pick-up Point: All Saints Church, Pembroke Road, Clifton, BS8 3ED.
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Date/Time: Saturday 20th June; depart 9.00am; return by c. 7.00pm
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Itinerary:
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9.00-11.00am - Depart All Saints Church; journey to Stratford
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11.30am-12:45pm - Lunch in Stratford: own arrangements
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You are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch to eat by the banks of the River Avon (if the weather's fine!) or find a local cafe or restaurant in Stratford. The theatre itself has two main dining options, which have the benefit of being in close proximity to the auditorium, seeing as we do only have c. 1½ hours for lunch.
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The Riverside Terrace is situated on a terrace overlooking the river and is open from 11.30am serving their all day menu, featuring salads, meze platters, ice cream sundaes and more. The Riverside Terrace operates on a first-come/first-served basis.
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The Rooftop Restaurant is situated on the 3rd floor of the main Theatre building providing scenic views of the River Avon. Their full menu is served from 11.30am, and on show days, they also offer a fixed price menu for pre-theatre dining, consisting of two courses (£29) or three courses (£35) - see here for a sample menu. It is advisable to book The Rooftop Restaurant in advance, letting them know you will be seeing the 1.15pm matinee performance in the main theatre. Contact them on: rooftop@rsc.org.uk or call 01789 403449.
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1.15pm - Performance of The Tempest starts (performance time: approx. 2½-3 hrs, incl. an interval of 20 mins)
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5.00pm - Depart Stratford for Bristol via minibus
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6.45-7.00pm - Arrive back at All Saints Church
Cost
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£195 per person, including door to door travel by luxury minibus, and premium Stall Seats
To request a place contact Helen Sutton on:
E: helen@crownchurchandarts.co.uk
M: 07802 256315
NB. payment is due once your place has been confirmed and is via BACS or cheque (see details below) and places are non-refundable
Payment via BACS:
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Account name: Crown, Church and Arts
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Account number: 77202325
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Sort code: 51-70-08
Payment via cheque:
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Cheques payable to Crown, Church and Arts
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Post to:
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Helen Sutton, Crown Church & Arts, 68 Pembroke Rd, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3ED
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William Shakespeare (1751-1816)
William Shakespeare, born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in history. He married Anne Hathaway in 1582 and had three children. By the late 1580s, Shakespeare had moved to London, where he became an actor, playwright, and shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a prominent theater company. Over his career, he wrote 39 plays, including classics like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth, as well as 154 sonnets and several other poems. His works explore complex themes of love, power, identity, and human nature, and have had an enduring influence on literature and the arts. Shakespeare retired to Stratford around 1613 and died in 1616 at the age of 52. His legacy endures as his works continue to be performed and studied worldwide.