Having enjoyed Merry Wives of Windsor last year, we wanted to go to the Shakespeare Festival at Oxford Castle again this year.
Our choices were Julius Caesar in June, Macbeth in July or Romeo and Juliet in August.
The timing of the Romeo and Juliet performance worked well for us. It was described as a “bold reimagining of the world’s greatest love story, set during the American War of Independence”, which appealed as we are interested in the American War of Independence.
We arrived just after 7:15 – probably a little late, as many of the seats next to the stage as well as the places on the amphitheatre-style concrete steps had already been taken. However, we managed to grab some cushions and find a spot on the steps – right in the middle of the stage.
As we did last year, we went to Marks and Spencer for food, but this year the cafe in the Castle was open – though I’m not sure what food was available. Toilets were available in the Castle’s learning centre, but it was better (fewer queues) to use the facilities at the Slug and Lettuce pub around the corner.
The play started promptly at 7:30.
It was a very impressive opening scene, with the red coats popping against the sun-soaked castle wall.
However, as the play progressed, I was a little confused by the connection to the American Independence War. I don’t know the Romeo and Juliet play; it was not one I studied at school, but the actors appeared to be using Shakespeare’s words exactly, including that the two families were from Verona – which didn’t seem to correspond to them being in America. Romeo spoke in an American accent, implying his family was on the American side of the war. There is no way that two families from opposite sides in the American Independence War would party together, which was the setting of the play.
However, I thought the actors were good, the sound was excellent, and there is no doubt that it was a beautiful venue – particularly as the sun went down and the lights shone on the castle.
It is a long play, ending around 10:15 with a 15-minute interval. Even with the amazing 2026 summer, it got a little chilly after the interval, when the sun went down, so I would always take an extra layer.
I enjoyed the evening, but next year, I might look for one of the comedies. There were several well-delivered monologues, meaning there wasn’t too much action on stage. I suspect the comedies offer more opportunity to bring more energy.
It is a lovely venue though and well worth a visit if you haven’t been.