Enrol in our brand-new, ten-week course and explore Shakespeare’s portrayal of human experiences across different ages, tracing how his works continue to shape our modern ideas of growing up and growing old.

‘One man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.’
– As You Like It, Act II scene 7

Jaques’ famous ‘Seven Ages of Man’ speech reflects the popular Renaissance model of dividing human life into various stages, from cradle to grave. In our semester-long Shakespeare and the Stages of Life course, we deep dive into what these ages tell us about the journey from cradle to grave in Elizabethan society. We also explore what Shakespeare’s plays can teach us about ageing in our own world today.

Across ten weeks, and studying a selection of Shakespeare’s plays and past Globe productions including Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, King Lear and The Winter’s Tale – available to watch for free on Globe Player as part of the course fee – you will gain insight into the cultural, social and historical contexts of early modern drama, develop an awareness of the interpretative choices involved in staging Shakespeare’s work, and cultivate research and analytical skills by critically examining dramatic texts both verbally and in written form.

No prior knowledge of Shakespeare or his plays is required. The course is designed for anyone interested in Shakespeare, early modern drama and culture, theatre, life studies, ethics, and medical humanities. The only pre-requisite is an openness to learn!

What’s included:

• Ten weeks (meeting Thursday evenings) of interactive learning
• Each session focuses on a different Shakespeare play
• Six-month access to Globe Player, our video-on-demand platform
• Option to register for an additional workshop to boost research and writing skills, including the chance to receive detailed feedback on an essay
• Exclusive Globe tote bag and certificate of course completion

Please note, you must book your place by Tuesday 31 March 2026.

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