Shakespeare’s Globe Announces Co-Productions and Brand-New Musical for Autumn 2025
Shakespeare’s Globe has announced its upcoming season of shows for the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and Globe Theatre, running from November 2025 to January 2026. The season includes a series of co-productions and the world premiere of a brand-new musical, along with a variety of events, talks, and workshops.
Upcoming Productions at Shakespeare's Globe
The season includes the following productions:
Romeo a Juliet (5 – 8 November 2025) – A groundbreaking bilingual production combining Welsh and English, directed by Steffan Donnelly for Theatr Cymru. This production, a fresh take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, explores Welsh identity and cultural boundaries.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (13 November 2025 – 31 January 2026) – A co-production between Shakespeare’s Globe, Headlong Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, and Leeds Playhouse. Directed by Holly Race Roughan and Naeem Hayat, this production explores the darker elements of one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies and will tour the UK in 2026.
Pinocchio (29 November 2025 – 4 January 2026) – A brand-new musical adaptation directed by Sean Holmes. The musical features a book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine and music by Jim Fortune and will be staged at the Globe Theatre. The story promises a magical festive experience for all ages.
Artistic Director Michelle Terry's Vision
Michelle Terry, Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe, shared her excitement about the season: “This winter, whether in the candlelight of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse or the moonlight of the Globe Theatre, this season of incredible artists will tell old tales anew as we all try and light our way through the dark. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Theatr Cymru for the first time, with their bilingual Romeo a Juliet, and excited to reunite with Headlong for a fresh take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. We’re also delighted to premiere our new musical Pinocchio, bringing a magical winter experience to the Globe Theatre.”
Romeo a Juliet – A Groundbreaking Bilingual Production
Romeo a Juliet, a collaboration with Theatr Cymru, offers a new perspective on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, using both Welsh and English. Directed by Steffan Donnelly, the production explores Welsh identity and cultural boundaries through the lens of one of the most iconic love stories. Steffan Donnelly, Artistic Director of Theatr Cymru, expressed his excitement: “It’s a privilege to collaborate with the Globe team on this unique bilingual production. The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is perfect for this intimate and fresh interpretation of Romeo and Juliet.”
Artwork for Romeo a Juliet supplied by Shakespeare’s Globe.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A New Staging of the Classic
Shakespeare’s Globe is excited to present A Midsummer Night’s Dream, co-directed by Holly Race Roughan and Naeem Hayat. This production, which explores some of the darker elements of Shakespeare's comedy, will run from 13 November 2025 to 31 January 2026. The show will later tour to Leeds Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic, and Oxford Playhouse in 2026.
Holly Race Roughan, Artistic Director of Headlong Theatre, commented: “This new staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will delve into the unpredictable world of the play, reflecting the turbulent social and political landscape we experience today. We’re excited to partner with Shakespeare’s Globe and our national partners to bring this production to life.”
Pinocchio – A Magical New Musical
A new musical adaptation of Pinocchio will premiere at the Globe Theatre from 29 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. Directed by Sean Holmes, with a book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine and music by Jim Fortune, Pinocchio promises to be a festive treat for audiences of all ages. Sean Holmes shared his excitement: “It’s a privilege to be part of the team bringing this magical new musical to the Globe this Christmas. Like the story itself, we hope the production makes the impossible possible.”
The Globe Talks: Exploring Text and Movement
The Globe is continuing its collaboration with Dance Umbrella, presenting The Globe Talks: Making Text Move. This event, part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2025, will explore storytelling through words and movement, with choreographer and director Ben Duke sharing live examples of his process. Additional Globe Talks will cover the creative processes behind A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo a Juliet.
Family Activities and Workshops
For families and young people, Shakespeare’s Globe offers a wide range of interactive workshops and events:
Telling Tales returns for a second year during the October Half Term, featuring interactive readings, Q&A sessions, and creative writing workshops with celebrated authors like Michael Rosen, Piers Torday, and Joseph Coelho.
Interactive family workshops will also be available for children aged 5-12, focusing on Twelfth Night and The Tempest.
Higher Education and Research at the Globe
A new ten-week course, Shakespeare and the Stages of Life, will run from 23 April 2025, studying Shakespeare's portrayal of human experiences across different stages of life, including works like Macbeth, Hamlet, and King Lear.
Guided Tours at Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe will offer a variety of guided tours, including:
Ghosts and Ghouls Family Tour – Explore the spooky elements of Shakespeare's plays during the winter months.
Festive Family Tour – Discover how Christmas was celebrated in Shakespeare’s time.
Twilight Walking Tour – Visit Shakespeare’s Bankside haunts, bringing to life his evening revels and ghostly encounters.
