WHAT? The Tempest and the Thames 

WHERE? The National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, London SE10 9NF

WHEN? Now until 24th September.  Free to view 

WHY GO?  To dive into literature. Thespians unite over one of the greatest works in British literature, the First Folio, from the biggest name in drama, Shakespeare. Think of Shakespeare and ships might well spring to mind which is why the Maritime Museum is paying homage to the Bard. The sea has trickled throughout much of his work from The Merchant of Venice to The Tempest.

Collated and published in 1623, seven years after his death, the First Folio is the first edition of Shakespeare’s plays and this year celebrates its 400th anniversary.

Only about 235 copies are known to have survived globally (five are in the British Library). This rare copy owned by Dulwich College, complete with stains and burn marks, suggests it was well read making it even more valuable.

A copy was sold recently at Christie’s New York for nearly 10 million dollars, making it the most expensive literary work ever sold at auction. 

Shakespeare's ships are forever sailing and The Tempest provides the central focus of this evocative little display that helps portray maritime England during his day.

Did he ever go to sea himself, that is the question?

IN THE KNOW 

Click for a list of events to celebrate the First Folio’s 400th Birthday or better still, book one of the many Shakespeare plays performed regularly at the iconic Globe Theatre and in Stratford-upon-Avon.