One summer, four incredible live performances in the heart of Oxford

The Oxford Shakespeare Festival is back for its 16th year with four outstanding productions, live in the Castleyard throughout the summer.

Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

22 Jun – 04 Jul 2026

Join BMH in celebrating 20 years of theatre-making in Oxford and 11 years at Oxford Castle & Prison, as they bring their trademark fast-paced, accessible production to Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.

As the Roman Republic falters and Julius Caesar consolidates power, assassination sparks a struggle over Rome’s future: can ideals survive ambition, or is dictatorship inevitable?

Macbeth at Oxford Castle

06 Jul – 01 Aug 2026

Wild Goose Theatre returns for its 15th successive year, transforming Oxford Castle & Prison into a world of ambition, prophecy, and bloody consequence. Beneath summer skies and ancient stone, Macbeth draws audiences into a gripping tale of power and guilt, where fate is whispered by witches and crowns are won at a terrible cost, placing you at the heart of the action in a truly unforgettable setting.

Romeo & Juliet

03 Aug – 15 Aug 2026

For their landmark 10th season, Siege Theatre return with a bold reimagining of the world’s greatest love story, set during the American War of Independence.

In a time of explosive conflict and divided loyalties, honour still matters, and two star-crossed lovers are forced to choose between duty to family and country or their devotion to each other.

Yorick or the Skull

Greensleeved Productions joins Oxford Shakespeare Festival for the first time, with Yorick or the Skull.

The story begins on the night Hamlet is born. We meet court jester Yorick and his closest friend, Hamlet, who has just become king but remains unskilled in navigating state matters. At the same time, a serious land dispute with King Fortinbras of Norway looms over the kingdom.

Greensleeved is a theatre company led by Matthew Schwarz and Cecilia Thoden van Velzen that reimagines classical text, unforgets lost plays and creates new work.

Additional Information

Concession prices are available for children under 15, students with a valid student ID, and seniors.
Free tickets for carers are available to book by emailing us at info@oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk. Please see our list of accepted carer IDs here.
Group Rates: We allocate one free adult ticket for every 15 students. To make a group booking, please email info@oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk.

Please note: Performances do not run on Sundays

For more information, see our FAQs