The Tempest
The Tempest
by William Shakespeare
Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford Upon Avon
Wed 13 May 2026 - Sat 20 June 2026
7.30pm
‘But this rough magic I here abjure.’
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.










