From spooky performances at Shakespeare’s Birthplace to hands-on-workshops at Mary Arden’s Farm, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) is inviting families to enjoy its exciting programme of events and activities this October half-term in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Highlights include spooky live performances of some of Shakespeare’s most iconic and lesser-known plays, bringing them to life for all to enjoy in the garden of Shakespeare’s Birthplace as the SBT continues its celebration of the 400^th anniversary of the publication of “Mr. William Shakespeare’s comedies, histories, & tragedies.” Also known as the First Folio.

Starting on 28 October and running until 5 November, the talented team from ‘Events From History’ will be performing some of the more gruesome Shakespeare scenes, from Macbeth and Hamlet to Richard III and Julius Caesar as well as some of the lesser-known plays, including Cymbeline.

“We are delighted to welcome back the team from Events From History for the October half-term. Following their remarkable and memorable performances in the summer, we cannot wait for our visitors to be re-immersed in the spine-chilling retelling of some of Shakespeare’s most loved plays found in the First Folio.” Commented Rachael North, Director of Museum and Public Programmes at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Elsewhere, something spooky is stirring at Mary Arden’s Farm, with the return of Halloween Fun at the Farm on 31 October 2 and 4 November. Back by popular demand, families are welcomed to the Wilmcote-based Tudor farm to unearth the eerie and enchanting rituals of All Hallows’ Eve.

During the session, there will be plenty of fun activities for visitors to enjoy, including crafting charms designed to ward off spirits, concocting a potion, using herbs and flowers from the Tudor Garden, and carving their own scary jack-o-lantern. Plus, visitors will have the chance to enjoy an interactive reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s spookiest tales, Macbeth.

As part of the SBT’s yearlong Folio at 400 celebrations, there will also be an interactive family-friendly trail across Shakespeare’s family homes. Focusing on Shakespeare’s 18 ‘Lost Plays’, which may have been lost to history without the publication of the First Folio, the immersive trail invites visitors to solve the riddle of the plays as they explore Shakespeare’s life, works and times at each of the three properties.

This October half-term is also the last chance for visitors to see ‘The Great Variety of Readers: Celebrating 400 Years of Shakespeare’s First Folio’, exhibition at Shakespeare’s New Place before it closes on 5 November. Items on display include an original copy of the First Folio, a seal ring thought to have been worn by Shakespeare, and a notebook of one of his earliest and most devoted fans.

‘’As our Folio at 400 celebrations come to a close and with half-term approaching, we’re excited to welcome visitors to our properties for a jam-packed programme of events and activities. ‘’From live performances of Shakespeare’s works at the Birthplace to Halloween Fun at the Farm at Mary Arden’s Farm, we can’t wait for our visitors to immerse themselves in the life, work, and times of Shakespeare.” Continued Rachael.

The SBT’s autumn events start on 28 October and run until 5 November. Visitors are encouraged to get the most out of their visit by pre-booking using the ‘Shakespeare’s Story’ ticket, which grants 12 months access to all three of Shakespeare’s family homes for one great-value price.