Discover the mysteries of Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare. Brought to life by acclaimed performance historian Lesley Smith.

Strictly for over 18 years.

Doors 6.30pm. Performance 7pm (no latecomers).

Online tickets only.

William Shakespeare (aged 18), married a local woman called Anne Hathaway (aged 26), late in 1582 whilst she was carrying his child. Anne then followed tradition and moved in with Shakespeare and his parents to live in their family home on Henley Street.

Interestingly, very little is known about Anne and William’s relationship. All we can say with certainty is that they married, had three children and remained married until Shakespeare’s death in 1616. Upon his death at their home, Shakespeare left his ‘second best bed’ to Anne in his will.

In this charismatic performance, Lesley Smith cleverly picks her way between the facts to give a proper sense of life in the Midlands at that time. Lesley Smith’s vibrant and amusing talk is given in spectacular costume made by a specialist from the Royal Shakespeare Company and explores the possibilities of their relationship, including that “second best bed”...

Lesley Smith (MPhil, Tudor Medicine) was Curator of Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire between 2000-2024. Her many achievements include 38 academic publications and appearances in over 120 television programmes across 38 countries. Lesley is well- known for her highly entertaining and informative costumed portrayals of a variety of historial charaters which she performs across the UK.

Description supplied by the event organiser.