Thousands converge for Stratford Festival’s 70th Opening Week

STRATFORD, ON, June 6, 2022 – After a pandemic hiatus, the Stratford Festival officially celebrated the complete opening of its 70th season this past week with the premieres of Hamlet, Chicago and Richard III.

Richard III becomes the first show to welcome guests and the community into the brand new $72-million Tom Patterson Theatre. Saturday evening’s opening was highlighted with a drone light show that silently lit up the night sky above the theatre and the Avon River.

More than 4,000 fans, critics and members of the local and creative communities converged on both the Festival and Tom Patterson theatres from June 2 through 4 to mark an emotional and triumphant return to live indoor theatre in the Festival City. Both theatres were filled to capacity – the grounds and lobbies were buzzing with activity night after night.

The Stratford Festival has welcomed almost 29 million people throughout its seven decade run, including multiple visits from Queen Elizabeth II, whose own 70th this year was also celebrated this past weekend.

The 2022 season features Hamlet, Chicago, The Miser, Little Women, Richard III, All’s Well That Ends Well, Death and the King’s Horseman, Every Little Nookie, Hamlet-911 and 1939. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit stratfordfestival.ca.

lead photo Stratford Festival red carpet at opening night for Richard III at Tom Patterson Theatre, photo by Ann Baggley

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