The world’s 5 top destinations for theatre

From avant-garde productions to Shakespeare performed by some of the world’s greatest thespians, discover the world’s greatest theatre experiences in any of these five destinations.

Stratford-upon-Avon, UK

As the birthplace of none other than William Shakespeare, visiting Stratford-upon-Avon is a rite of passage for theatre enthusiasts. Take a walking tour through the medieval market town’s cobbled streets and over old stone bridges with canal boats and swans gliding underneath, visiting the town’s many important historical sites. The very house in which the Bard was born (a 16th-century half-timbered house that has been accurately restored to how it would have been at the time) hosts exhibitions including items like the original manuscript of all of Shakespeare’s works, while you can also see inside the cottage of Anne Hathaway, the playwright’s wife. But most importantly, Stratford is the home of the acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company, and attending a performance at its Royal Shakespeare or Swan theatres is a must. Check into the Hathaway Hamlet, a bucolic thatched cottage just 13 minutes’ walk from Anne Hathaway’s.

Almagro, Spain

This miraculously well-preserved open-air theatre in Almagro was only rediscovered in 1953 during renovation works, and is an exceptional example of the corral de comedias (theatrical courtyards) that were dotted around Spain in the 16th century. Each year, the town hosts the International Classical Theatre Festival in July, with a varied programme of performing and visual arts in this truly sublime setting. Stay at Posada Los Caballeros, a hotel in a 16th-century building with a courtyard almost as beautiful as the theatre itself.

Meiningen, Germany

Though you might not know it, the theatrical traditions of this small, provincial Thuringian town formed the basis for much of modern drama. It was George II, an art-loving German Duke presiding over the state of Thuringia in the 19th century, who spearheaded a cultural movement and a revolutionary concept of theatre known as the Meininger Prinzipien. Still on the curriculum for schools all over the world, these innovative principles of theatre paved the way for modern method acting. Today, you can attend musicals, operas, ballets, puppet shows, concerts and festivals within the city’s classical, colonnaded Meiningen Court Theatre. Stay in the Romantik Hotel Saxon Court, just a 4-minute walk away.

Ancient Epidavros, Greece

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a wonder of the ancient world; remarkably well-preserved, it was built in the late 4th century BC, a beautifully-symmetrical amphitheatre facing the mountains and the deep green forest of the Peloponnesian Peninsula. The acoustic design is so advanced – even by today’s standards – that it’s said that if you light a match on stage, you can hear it in any one of the 15,000 seats. Though the theatre was intended to host religious ceremonies in honour of Greek god, Asclepius, it now hosts a summer festival of world-class plays so that you can experience the venue in all its historic glory. With an infinity pool overlooking the sea, Yialasi is a highly rated aparthotel that’s just a short drive from the ancient theatre.

Williamstown, USA

The picture-perfect Williamstown in Massachusetts has been attracting theatre-goers since its acclaimed festival first set up shop in 1955. This award-winning event takes place on the campus of Williams College during the summer, showcasing a season packed with top tier plays that challenge the status quo. Many of its productions have gone on to grace the stages of Broadway, and the festival frequently attracts acting talent the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Sigourney Weaver and Christopher Walken. Check into Willows Motel, just a 3-minute drive from Williams College.