Why You Need to Attend the Stratford Festival

The trumpets of the Stratford Festival announced it was time to take our seats. I could hear them from the Avon River below and quickened my step. And with a hastened wander through the Arthur Meighen Gardens up towards the Festival Theatre the buzz of excitement for the show was heightened as the trumpeters, accompanied by the drummer, heralded the last call.

From its roots over 60 years ago to the present day, where it is noted as being the largest classical repertory theatre company in North America, the Stratford Festival has captivated the hearts, minds, and imaginations of millions. Just this year (2018) they welcomed their 28 millionth patron who won the incredible opportunity to attend shows for life! And it has certainly put Stratford on the map.

Discover why you need to attend the Stratford Festival!

History of the Stratford Festival

Stratford’s growth was thanks in part to the railway industry. But when it pulled out Stratford’s future was uncertain until a local journalist had an idea. His name was Tom Patterson and he wanted to start a Shakespearean theatre festival in Stratford. With Stratford being named after William Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon it was like kismet.

Through tough times Patterson prevailed with the help of some remarkable people like Dora Mavor Moore, Canadian theatre pioneer, and Tyrone Guthrie, a renowned British director. And in 1953 celebrated their first production. For the first few years the Festival was held under a tent, but in 1956 work began on a permanent structure. Now, there are 4 different venues.

The Festival has seen many changes during its over 60 years. Including name changes. It was originally called the Stratford Shakespearean Festival but is now the Stratford Festival, to encompass not just the Shakespearean plays but the array of other shows that they offer.

5 Reasons Why You Need to Attend the Stratford Festival

Variety of Shows

Each season, from spring to fall, the Festival puts on around a dozen productions across 4 unique venues. And every season there are a variety of shows on offer. From family friendly to dark and deep classics, there is a performance for everyone’s tastes, young and old. Whether you’re after a fun musical or one of the many Shakespeare classics that continue to dominate the Festival you’ll find a play for you, or maybe two!

Award-Winning Performers

The calibre of actors who have and continue to grace the stage during the Stratford Festival will blow your mind. From the beginnings with Alec Guinness and Irene Worth right up until today the Festival has seen the likes of Christopher Plummer, Maggie Smith, Christopher Walken who played Romeo in the 1960s, Sarah Polley, and William Shatner.

And even if you haven’t heard of them, the performers who step foot on that stage are magnificent and in most cases – leave you speechless!

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The Deals

The price of tickets for the Stratford Festival performances is reasonably priced. But if you follow along on their social media, like Facebook, you’ll learn of all the great deals they offer throughout the season. Last year (2017) I was able to grab a crazy good deal. I was in the third row for Romeo & Juliet for around $30! That’s a steal!

Tickets normally range from $25 to around $200. But if you’re keen on a deal, stay tuned to their social media!

Go Behind the Scenes

Not many theatres let you go behind the scenes nor meet the actors but Stratford Festival does! Across their website, you’ll find an array of different packages, tours, and options to add to your ticket price. There are tours of the grand Festival Theatre where you can go behind the curtain, or take a tour of the warehouse to get up close and see their incredible selection of costumes and props. You can even meet the cast!

Besides the theatre, you can enjoy the Stratford Perth Museum which houses an exhibit where you can learn all about the history of the Festival, the people behind it, and a collection of props, costumes, and other cool pieces from the Festival. You can even sit in the original chairs from when the Festival was still under a tent.

And for the summer of 2018 there is a fascinating Harper Lee: To Kill a Mockingbird exhibit where you can not only learn about Lee, her book, the reality behind the book’s focus, and even enjoy a few photo-ops with replicas from the set.

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The Experience

Any theatre goer will tell you there is nothing more exciting than hearing the fanfare. The trumpets announcing the show will commence shortly. Get ready, get in, and take your seats! The Festival Theatre has honoured this tradition from the very beginning. It creates a buzz as people stir outside the theatre, quickly pull out their tickets to show ushers, and shuffle into their seats.

For me, and many other, attending the Stratford Festival is all about the overall experience. From the thrill of choosing one or a couple of shows from the always incredible list to hearing the fanfare, and the powerful feelings that get stirred up with seeing a live performance.

And whether you arrive early or take some time after the show, the Festival Theatre is surrounded by incredible gardens. Out front, you’ll find the Arthur Meighen Gardens that are spectacular all season long. An array of flowers and even a water garden full of water lilies, this garden will sweep you up away with its fragrant aromas and maze-like pathways. And to the side, you’ll find another garden starring the man himself, William Shakespeare. The gardens lend to the allure, wonder, and enchantment of the whole Festival experience.

This year’s roster (2018) is jam-packed with outstanding performances to choose from! A few top picks are; The Tempest, Rocky Horror Picture Show, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Music Man, and Coriolanus.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Perth County there is a wealth of outdoor activities, small towns to explore, tasty farm gates, and something for everyone – from solo travellers to families!

How to Get to Stratford

By Car:

Stratford is perfectly located within 2 hours drive from many cities like Toronto, Niagara Falls, Hamilton, and London. And less than 2.5 hours from Barrie, Ontario and even Buffalo, New York. Making it a great day trip or weekend getaway.

By Rail:

You can even take the train into Stratford. The Via Rail from Toronto is roughly 2 hours and a bit and will run anywhere from roughly $30 to $60 on way.

Direct Bus:

The Stratford Festival also offers a deal on a direct bus from Toronto for only $29 return. That’s an amazing deal!

Will you be attending the Stratford Festival this year?

I was a guest of Stratford Tourism but as always all opinions are my own.

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