Shakespeare for Everyone!
Past, Present and Future.
The Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Club, founded in 1824, is the oldest Shakespeare society in the world. Originally founded by local people, it still aims to provide enjoyment to anyone with an interest in Shakespeare’s work, life and times, independent of other Shakespeare organisations.
Speakers at its monthly talks are specialists in their subjects, coming from a wide range of backgrounds including universities, theatres, and the media.
The Club takes part in the town’s Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations each April, and other events include occasional exhibitions, readings and luncheons.
New members and guests are always welcome.
Latest News
Shakespeare Chat
Jane Lapotaire
The death of actor Jane Lapotaire was announced on 12 March 2026. Best known for the RSC production of Piaf and her work on TV, she had many connections with Stratford. She was Gertrude in the Kenneth Branagh Hamlet in 1992-3 and Queen Katherine in the 1996 production of Henry VIII. Her career was limited by a near-fatal brain aneurism in 2000 but she did appear on stage in Stratford as the Duchess of Gloucester in Richard II in 2013 and the Queen of France in Henry V in 2015.
She was the President of the Shakespeare Club in 1996-7, and in 2018 was awarded the Pragnell Shakespeare Prize at the Birthday Luncheon, attended by hundreds of people including about 30 members of the Club. The award was made by Professor Michael Dobson, also a previous President of the Club, as pictured. Here is the video of her witty acceptance speech.
A Visual Journey Through Stratford Shakespeare Club's World
