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Exploring Shakespeare, 1599-1600: Shakespeare’s Rivals at the Rose (repeat)

Sat 24 Jan

Study Session led by Clare Smout (3 hours) 

War of the Theatres? Shakespeare’s company built the Globe Theatre only yards from their rivals at the Rose. Discover how the Rose reacted and also explore the amazing collection of historical data about how this other theatre functioned – daily takings, costume details, props lists, financial dealings with playwrights and actors, personal letters etc. All the information we lack for Shakespeare’s company survives in detail for his rivals. 


“1599-1600: the year that launched the Globe.” This season explores the 4 plays Shakespeare wrote at the height of his career to kick-start the new Globe Theatre: an English history (Henry V), a Roman history (Julius Caesar), a comedy (As You Like It) and a tragedy (Hamlet). We also look at what his rivals at the Rose Theatre next door were doing in response to this threat. 

These friendly interactive sessions include an introductory talk, group discussion (on characters, themes, language and staging), and video clips showing a variety of interpretations. There is a break midway for coffee and cake. 

These events are suitable for those aged 18 and over. 

Clare Smout is a locally-based Shakespeare specialist. She spent the first half of her career in professional theatre, the second in academic research and teaching. Clare has taught Shakespeare to students of all ages, including at the University of Birmingham and the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Continuing Education. 


For further information contact shakespeare.courses@smout.org

Duration:: 180 mins

24 Jan 2026 - 14:00 @ Studio Two Exploring Shakespeare, 1599-1600: Shakespeare’s Rivals at the Rose (repeat) Book Now