Delaware Shakespeare is hitting the road once again for its beloved Community Tour, bringing Shakespeare’s stories to audiences across Delaware and beyond. From October 1–18, 2025, the company will present The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Shakespeare’s witty comedy about friendship, loyalty, love, and betrayal. Featuring the only dog to appear in any of Shakespeare’s plays, this lighthearted tale follows devoted friends Proteus and Valentine as they navigate romance and rivalry—with plenty of laughs along the way.
The Community Tour is more than just a series of performances, it’s a cultural mission. By traveling to non-traditional venues such as homeless shelters, prisons, libraries, and community centers, “Del Shakes” as the company is better known, ensures that high-quality theatre is accessible to everyone, including those who often face financial or circumstantial barriers to live performances. Alongside these free shows, the tour will also feature ticketed performances in Wilmington, Dover, Philadelphia, and more. Every ticket purchased helps fund the company’s efforts to bring Shakespeare into community spaces.
Professional theatre outdoors and under the stars at Rockwood Park in July and throughout the state on the fall Community Tour. Seasonal shows include "Shakespeare+St. Valentine" and "Shakespeare…
To close out the tour, Del Shakes will host a special Gala Performance on Saturday, October 18 in Wilmington (exact location to be announced soon). The evening begins with refreshments at 6:00 PM, followed by the performance at 7:00 PM. Tickets and reservations are available now—be sure to save your spot for this celebratory finale!
Beyond the Community Tour
Right after the Community Tour wraps, Del Shakes keeps the autumn magic alive with Shakespeare, Poe, & Friends, a fan-favorite fall event blending scenes, prose, and poetry from Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, and their Gothic contemporaries. The evening also features haunting musical selections and concludes, as always, with a dramatic reading of Poe’s chilling masterpiece The Raven.
Performances will be held at the end of October:
Oct. 24 at 7 PM – Lewes Library (FREE!)
Oct. 25 at 7 PM – Old Town Hall
Oct. 26 at 2 PM – Read House and Gardens
Oct. 30 at 7 PM – Odessa Historic Wilson Barn
This mix of fright and delight is the perfect way to close out the season.
As Delaware Shakespeare prepares to launch the 2025 Community Tour, they’re also celebrating some exciting news. Their 2024 production of Julius Caesar has been nominated for a Barrymore Award for Best Outdoor Production. The Barrymore Award’s honor excellence in professional theatre throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, shining a spotlight on companies and artists who enrich the cultural life of the community.
Whether you’re planning to attend a free community performance, purchase tickets for a traditional venue, or support the mission by spreading the word, the 2025 season offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies performed by Delaware’s own professional Shakespeare company.
Reserve your tickets today and join Delaware Shakespeare in celebrating both their upcoming tour and their well-deserved Barrymore nomination!
