2025: “the dark side of shakespeare”

WELCOME TO the dark side of shakespeare 2025

For 30 years Stratford has hosted The Shakespeare on the River Festival, centered around the works and life of William Shakespeare. In 2025 there will be more than 20 events across two weeks. Come see the Community Players take on ‘Othello’, revel at The Bard’s Banquet and then on Sunday May [the] fourth join in the fun of The Medieval Market Faire Day on the Village Green to close off another festival. With a grand variety of traditional arts and crafts, food and beverages, fresh produce, together with live music, workshops and displays, there is something for everyone.

We have a jam packed program for 2025.

Tickets available March 1.

Can’t wait until March 1 for full festival details? Check out our key dates below:

OFFICIAL FESTIVAL OPENING

Thursday May 1, 6.30pm
The Stratford Courthouse, 66 Princes Highway, Stratford

Tickets: Free event, no booking required.

Our official launch at The Stratford Courthouse Theatre. Featuring live performances, announcement of the winners in the Sheila Malady Short story competition and our annual festival awards.  

"OTHELLO"
The Community Players

Friday May 9, 7.30pm
Saturday May 10, 7.30pm
Thursday May 15, 7.30pm
Friday May 16, 7.30pm
Saturday May 17, Matinee (time TBC)
Saturday May 17, 7.30pm

All shows performed at the Stratford Courthouse Theatre, 66 Princes Highway, Stratford

Tickets: Adults $25 // Concession $15

Bard's Banquet

Saturday May 3, 7.30pm
The Mechanics Hall, 17 Hobson St, Stratford VIC 3862

Come dressed to impress in your best as we feast and dance the night away in our ‘Dark Side’ themed event. We can’t wait for this!

Avon Village Faire & Market

Sunday May [the] Fourth, 10am-3pm
Hobson Street, Stratford
ArtCOLT (community of lost trades) and the Village Green

Tickets: Free event, no booking required.

Combined Stratford Primary School Grade 6 Students

Directed by Meg Greenway

Wednesday May 14, 1.30pm
Thursday May 15, 1.30pm
Friday May 16, 6pm

The Mechanics Hall, 17 Hobson St, Stratford VIC 3862

Tickets: All tickets $5