Shakespeare’s New Place launches new addition to exhibition exploring the legacy of the First Folio as celebrations continue

As the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) continues to celebrate the 400^th anniversary of the publication of one of the most important books in western literature, Shakespeare’s First Folio, it has commissioned a pioneering film exploring the history and continuing influence of the book on the culture of the world.

Narrated by historian Michael Wood, the new film describes the enduring legacy of Shakespeare’s work.  Along with the SBT’s original copy of the First Folio, it will be on display as part of The Great Variety of Readers: Celebrating 400 Years of Shakespeare’s First Folio exhibition at Shakespeare’s New Place, the playwright’s final home.

‘We’re thrilled to introduce this new film ‘’says Professor Charlotte Scott, Director of Knowledge at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust: ‘’as we celebrate 400 years of the First Folio’s publication it provides our visitors with the historical significance and enduring impact of the book in shaping literature and theatre worldwide.’’

‘’Focusing on some of the fundamental legacies of Shakespeare’s work, the film invites us to consider its reception, readers and the actors and those individuals, as well as communities, who have been empowered by the book across both time and space’’.

The new film includes Professor Emma Smith from Oxford University, Professor Farah Karim-Cooper, Director of Research at Shakespeare’s Globe, and author of The Great White Bard, and award-winning actor Andrew French, who has starred in a variety of Shakespeare’s roles.

The Great Variety of Readers: Celebrating 400 Years of Shakespeare’s First Folio exhibition is open until 5 November 2023, at Shakespeare’s New Place.

Access to the exhibition is included within the admission price to Shakespeare’s New Place and the Shakespeare’s Story ticket, giving you access to all three of Shakespeare’s family homes with one ticket.