Kenneth Branagh Returns to Stratford: Ultimate Guide to the RSC’s 2026 Season
It has been thirty years. That is three decades since Sir Kenneth Branagh last properly trod the boards in our town as Hamlet. But in 2026, the wait is finally over.
If you have walked past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre recently, you might have noticed the atmosphere is shifting. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has launched a season that feels less like a traditional theatre schedule and more like a major cinematic event. With Branagh taking on a bucket-list Shakespearean role, Helen Hunt making her company debut, and Mark Gatiss turning villain in the Swan, Stratford-upon-Avon is about to become the center of the global theatrical universe.
The clock is ticking down to opening night. Are you ready?
The Headliner: Branagh as Prospero in The Tempest
The crown jewel of the season is undeniably The Tempest. Kenneth Branagh returns to play Prospero, the exiled Duke who commands the spirits of his island, in Shakespeare’s final masterpiece.
For local theatre history buffs, this is a "full-circle" moment. Branagh’s career was practically forged in Stratford in the 1980s. Seeing him return to the main house to deliver the famous "Our revels now are ended" speech is significant not just for the town, but for British theatre history. He is teaming up with director Richard Eyre, a titan of the industry who is—surprisingly—making his own long-awaited RSC debut with this production.
- Dates: May 13 – June 20, 2026
- Venue: Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The Hollywood Power Duo: The Cherry Orchard
If one headline act wasn't enough, Branagh is sticking around for the summer. In July, he moves across the courtyard to the Swan Theatre to star in Anton Chekhov’s tragicomedy, The Cherry Orchard.
However, he isn't alone. He will be starring alongside Academy Award winner Helen Hunt (As Good as It Gets), who is making her RSC debut as Madame Ranyevskaya. The play is being adapted by Laura Wade—famous for the sharp, biting dialogue of Posh—and directed by Tamara Harvey.
Why this matters: The Swan Theatre is an intimate venue. Seeing two actors of this caliber in a space where the back row feels like the front row is a rare opportunity. Tickets for this run are expected to be even more elusive than The Tempest.
The Critics' Choice: Mark Gatiss as Arturo Ui
While the A-listers are grabbing the national headlines, the "critics' choice" of the season might well be The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui.
Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, League of Gentlemen) is playing the title role in Brecht’s biting satire about a Chicago gangster’s rise to power. It is a thinly veiled, darkly comic parable about the rise of Hitler. Gatiss is a master of the macabre and the grotesque, which makes him perfectly cast for this role.
Planning Your Visit: Where to Eat and Drink
With thousands of extra visitors expected in town between May and August, the local hospitality scene is going to be bustling. We always recommend booking your pre-theatre dinner well in advance, especially for the prime 5:30 PM slots.
If you are looking to avoid the tourist traps and find a proper pint or a great meal near the theatre, make sure to read our updated local guide. We’ve rounded up the hidden gems and historic watering holes in our article on The Best Pubs in Stratford-upon-Avon (2025/26 Guide).
What to See While You Wait for May
The Branagh season doesn't kick off until May, but Stratford’s stages are far from empty this winter. If you are looking for entertainment right now, you have some excellent options.
Over at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the current winter production is still delighting audiences. It is a visually stunning show that is perfect for January. You can read more about why it is a must-see in our feature: See The BFG Live on Stage in Stratford this Winter.
Alternatively, if you are looking for traditional family fun to beat the January blues, the local pantomime scene is still active. Many locals have been raving about this year's offering. Find out why families are loving it in our review: Why Stratford Families are Booking Early for Peter Pan.
How to Get Sold-Out Tickets
Let’s be honest: with a lineup this star-studded, tickets are flying out the door. Public booking opened back in October, and many dates are already showing "Sold Out" or "Returns Only."
However, as locals, we know the system isn't as closed as it looks. There are specific times when returns are released (the famous "Friday Rush"), and particular membership tricks that can get you to the front of the queue. We have compiled all our best insider knowledge into one essential guide.
Before you pay inflated prices on resale sites, read this first: The RSC Ticket Hacker: How to Get Seats for Sold-Out Shows.
