Shakespeare in Smethwick

Sandwell Visually Impaired Programme Of Events.

Birmingham people’s copy of Shakespeare’s first folio - the first book of Shakespeare’s works - is coming to Smethwick for the first time EVER! 

11:00 Shakespeare in Smethwick event opens at Dorothy Parkes Community Centre, Church Road, B67 6EH.

11:20 Join us in an audio description of the Shakespeare’s First Folio and why it is important to Birmingham by Sandwell Talking News volunteer reader Sarah-Ann Cromwell.

12:00 Compose your own Shakespearian Insults with Rachel Green Drama Queen!

12:30 Touch and feel description of regal Elizabethan costume by Simon and Sally of Gloriana Living History.

13:30 Hear the many voices of actor Paul from Oddbodies Theatre before he performs a one-man KING LEAR.

2:00pm-3:20pm. Oddbodies Theatre’s one-man KING LEAR. The play is not audio described but is written like a radio play for accessibility. It premiered to five star reviews at the 2019 Brighton Fringe Festival. Front row seats will be reserved for the visually impaired.

3:30pm-4:00pm History of the Folio talk with storyteller and Shakespearean nerd Lauren Jansen-Parkes.

Shakespeare in Smethwick is part of the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Council’s Everything to Everybody project.

Please call Sandwell Visually Impaired office on 0121 525 4810 to register your interest in attending any or all of our Shakespeare in Smethwick events.

Important information for the Visually Impaired:

Dorothy Parkes Community Centre does not have a car park. Only on street parking is available.

There is a taxi drop off point at the front of the centre.

Bus number 89 runs from West Bromwich to the side of Dorothy Parkes in Smethwick.

There is a cafe serving drinks, crisps and chocolate.

You are welcome to bring your own packed lunch.