LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Harriet Walter & Friends: Shakespeare’s Women Speak!

Live on stage with special guests, Dame Harriet Walter, one of Britain's most esteemed Shakespearean actors, will perform pieces from her new book, She Speaks!

Harriet Walter & Friends: Shakespeare’s Women Speak!

About Harriet Walter & Friends: Shakespeare’s Women Speak!

Renowned for her extraordinary portrayals in Succession, Killing Eve and Ted Lasso, Dame Harriet Walter is also one of Britain's most esteemed Shakespearean actors. Now, having had the experience of playing so many of Shakespeare's roles, she re-imagines what some of his women might have been secretly thinking and lets them speak their minds.

With new speeches for thirty Shakespearean women, written in verse, sonnets and prose, her book goes between the lines of the plays as Gertrude lets Hamlet have the unvarnished truth; Lady MacBeth reveals how she would have been a savvy King; Kate, the Shrew does an about turn; Ophelia surprises us; Olivia surprises herself and the witches have a good old rap.

Says Harriet Walter: “I worship Shakespeare and feel very irreverent, shamelessly piggy- backing on his giant shoulders. His psychological insight is second to none…but the mirror that he held up to Nature reflected a predominantly male image of the world. I pondered the long shadow of his genius and tried to think of ways to let a little sunlight in on some of his women’s stories. I like to think he wouldn’t mind.”

Enjoy Shakespeare’s women as they demand centre stage and take the opportunity to ask the legendary Dame Harriet and her friends your own questions.

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
Mowgli
Open Pass Scotland
Fayre Play
Escape The Past

Other Events at Assembly Rooms

Legends of American Country

4th January 2025

Europe's number one country music tribute show, The Legends of American Country, comes to the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh for a fantastic night of toe tapping Country classics!

READ MORE

Tina Turner by Candlelight

10th January 2025

Performing all of Tina’s biggest hits, the Music of Tina Turner By Candlelight comes to The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh on Friday 10th January!

READ MORE

80s Anthems by Candlelight

11th January 2025

Calling 80s music fans “Everywhere”… this is your show! 80s Anthems By Candlelight is here, serving up the biggest and best rock anthems, power ballads and pop classics of the decade, LIVE!

READ MORE

Mohsen Namjoo

17th January 2025

Don't miss Iranian musician Mohsen Namjoo at Assembly Rooms on Friday 17th January!

READ MORE

The Luxury Scottish Wedding Show

19th January 2025

The Luxury Scottish Wedding Show is delighted to be taking over one of Edinburgh city centre's largest and most impressive venues - The Assembly Rooms - on Sunday 19th January.

READ MORE

Gary Stevenson: The Trading Game

29th January 2025

In a journey equal parts extraordinary and unsettling, Gary will take us deep inside the high-stakes world of trillion-dollar trades, where profit and moral compromise collide.

READ MORE

Levent Yuksel

5th February 2025

Levent Yuksel, one of Turkey's most enduring and beloved artists, plays the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday 5th February!

READ MORE

The Story of Swing

7th February 2025

The Story of Swing takes you on a musical journey through decades of the iconic genre of swing and big band music.

READ MORE

Queenz: Drag Me To The Disco!

13th February 2025

Queenz are back with a BRAND NEW SHOW! Join the gals for an electrifying, live vocal, drag-stravaganza, where Dancing Queenz and Disco Dreams collide for the party of a lifetime!

READ MORE

Nerina Pallot

14th February 2025

Nerina Pallot is set to wow the audience at Edinburgh's Assembly Rooms with her flawless voice, musicianship and critically acclaimed song-craft!

READ MORE

Merlin Sheldrake - Fungi: Web of Life LIVE

23rd February 2025

Embark on a fascinating two-part journey into the hidden world of fungi with renowned biologist, writer and speaker Merlin Sheldrake at Assembly Rooms in February!

READ MORE

Cafe Del Mundo

6th March 2025

Jan Pascal and Alexander Kilian of Café del Mundo bring to life the openness of world sounds, offering audiences the joy of discovering the unfamiliar within the familiar!

READ MORE

Country Roads

7th March 2025

Leave your 9 to 5 worries at the door and get ready as, for one night only, hit producers Entertainers celebrate the Kings and Queens of country music at the Assembly Rooms!

READ MORE

Laithwaites Edinburgh Wine Festival

8th March 2025

Discover the world of wine in Edinburgh with an evening of tastings, masterclasses, and music – all for just £30 - when Laithwaites Wine Festival comes to the Assembly Rooms!

READ MORE

Lemn Sissay - Let The Light Pour In

9th March 2025

Spend an evening with a master of the spoken word, BAFTA nominated author, activist, performer and Sunday Times number one bestseller, Lemn Sissay OBE.

READ MORE

The Three Tenors in Concert

15th March 2025

Enjoy a varied, dynamic and exciting concert by the three tenors, Francesco Fortes, Alessandro Fortunato and Stefano Sorrentino, at the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 15th March!

READ MORE

John Barrowman

21st March 2025

John Barrowman is back, unwavering and uncensored, with his newest show Laid Bare, don't miss him live at the Assembly Rooms on Friday 21st March!

READ MORE

Nathan Evans & The Saint PHNX Band

22nd March 2025

Scottish singer-songwriter Nathan Evans headlines the Assembly Rooms, with the backing of the Saint PHNX band, on Saturday 22nd March!

READ MORE

An Audience with Lucy Worsley on Jane Austen

28th March 2025

Spend an evening with the Queen of History, Lucy Worsley, as she delves into the fascinating life of Jane Austen at the Assembly Rooms on 28th March!

READ MORE

Gordon Buchanan - Lions and Tigers and Bears

29th March 2025

Award winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan will hit the road in 2025 with his biggest ever live tour. Join him at Assembly Rooms on Saturday 29th March!

READ MORE

An Evening with Si King

2nd April 2025

Take a trip down memory lane with national treasure Si King and get to know the man behind the bike like never before at the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday 2nd April!

READ MORE

Andy and the Odd Socks

8th April 2025

Andy and the Odd Socks bring their brilliant madcap mix of songs, slapstick and silliness to life with a show to entertain families of all ages!

READ MORE

The UK Pink Floyd Experience

13th April 2025

Recreating the sights and sounds of the legendary Pink Floyd live in concert, this highly authentic show, at the Assembly Rooms, features over 50 years of hits by this iconic band!

READ MORE

The Diana Ross Story

19th April 2025

Prepare to be taken on a spellbinding journey visiting one of the greatest musical stories ever told when The Diana Ross Story comes to the Assembly Rooms in April!

READ MORE

Northern Live - Do I Love You

20th April 2025

Northern Live - Do I Love You is a fantastic Northern Soul show featuring an 11-piece live band... don't miss it when it comes to the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 20th April!

READ MORE

Kidz Club Party

27th April 2025

Kidz Club Party is coming to the Assembly Rooms Edinburgh, more fun and games, singing and dancing on Sunday 27th April!

READ MORE

Taylor 22 Tour

27th April 2025

Get Ready Swifties for the Greatest Hits Tour. The ultimate Tribute to the Queen of country “Taylor 22” is coming to Edinburgh!

READ MORE

Crooners

10th May 2025

Crooners return to Scotland in May with their rip-roaring comedy music show chock full of crooner classics... don't miss it at Assembly Rooms on Saturday 10th!

READ MORE

An Audience with Aggers and Tuffers

17th May 2025

Whether you're a devoted cricket fan eager for insider stories or just looking for a fun evening out, don't miss your chance to catch these two stars live in action!

READ MORE

Country Hits Live

18th May 2025

Performed by a cast of multi award-winning musicians and singers, Country Hits Live will celebrate the atmosphere and energy of an evening in the home of country music.

READ MORE

Gaz Oakley’s Tales of the Homestead

19th May 2025

In this one-of-a-kind show, Gaz Oakley will take you on a personal tour of his garden offering a behind-the-scenes look at life on the homestead and the journey he went on to get there.

READ MORE

Endless Love

29th June 2025

Endless Love is the ultimate feel good night out and it celebrates the two legendary artistes Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. Catch it at the Assembly Rooms in June!

READ MORE

The Elvis Revolution

12th July 2025

Multi Award Winning Elvis Tribute Artists Louis Brown and Arron Walker bring you all the electrifying magic of the revolution that was, Mr Elvis Presley!

READ MORE

The Mersey Beatles

28th September 2025

The Mersey Beatles – the world’s favourite Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four come to the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 28th September!

READ MORE

Uptown Girl - The Billy Joel Collection

2nd October 2025

This stunning new stage production celebrates the legacy of Billy Joel, one of the greatest American musicians of all time!

READ MORE

The Beast UK - 86-87 ‘Somewhere on Tour’ Experience

3rd October 2025

The Beast UK have taken the Iron Maiden Tribute scene by storm and they play the Assembly Rooms on Friday 3rd October!

READ MORE

Gin & Rum Festival

11th October 2025

The UK’s largest touring Gin & Rum Festival returns to Edinburgh's Assembly Rooms on 11th October 2025!

READ MORE

Dino Tales- Jurassic Rescue

17th October 2025

Put on your safari hats and get ready for some ranger danger and roarsome routines when Dino Tales- Jurassic Rescue comes to the Assembly Rooms on 17th October!

READ MORE

An Evening with Mary Beard

18th October 2025

Step into the world of Ancient Rome with renowned historian Mary Beard as she uncovers the stories that history forgot.

READ MORE

Adam Frost

26th October 2025

Award-winning British garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, Adam Frost, is leaving the garden and heading back out on tour, with a date at Assembly Rooms!

READ MORE

Ultimate 70’s Show

7th November 2025

It was the decade that fashion forgot – but dig out your tank tops, polish your platforms, the Seventies are back in town on 7th November at the Assembly Rooms!

READ MORE

Thank You For The Music

8th November 2025

Smash-hit tribute show, Thank You For The Music, brings all of ABBA's No. 1 hits to the Assembly Rooms in a production like no other!

READ MORE

David Olusoga: A Gun Through Time

22nd November 2025

Join David Olusoga at the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 22nd November as he uncovers the story of three firearms that changed the world and the lives of our ancestors!

READ MORE

Hello Again - Neil Diamond Songbook

24th November 2025

Join us at the Assembly Rooms for the world’s greatest celebration of the life and work of one of the best-selling singer-songwriters of all-time, Neil Diamond!

READ MORE

Go Your Own Way

3rd April 2026

Go Your Own Way is a brand new spellbinding show featuring the music from the legendary multiple Grammy Award Winning Fleetwood Mac, don't miss it at the Assembly Rooms in April 2026!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Kevin Quantum
Parkdean
Kids Pass
ATG
Rabbies
Edinburgh Dungeons

Similar events you might like...

Bringing Deaf Stories to Life (BSL)

Bringing Deaf Stories to Life (BSL)

4th January 2025

Join Deaf Action for an afternoon of storytelling with Luigi Lerose, a Deaf children’s writer on 4th January!

READ MORE
An Evening with Sue Lynn Tan

An Evening with Sue Lynn Tan

17th January 2025

Waterstones Edinburgh West End is delighted to be joined by Sue Lynn Tan on 17th January, in celebrating publication of her latest novel Immortal.

READ MORE
Writing the Great Tapestry of Scotland with Alistair Moffat

Writing the Great Tapestry of Scotland with Alistair Moffat

18th January 2025

Celebrated historian, Dr Alistair Moffat MBE presents an enlightening overview of The Great Tapestry of Scotland along with a special book signing and entry to the exhibition Stitched!

READ MORE
An Evening with Kate Fagan

An Evening with Kate Fagan

23rd January 2025

Waterstones Edinburgh West End is delighted to be welcoming Kate Fagan to the shop on Thursday 23rd January to celebrate the publication of her astounding debut novel, The Three Lives of Cate Kay!

READ MORE
Night of Ideas 2025: ‘Taking Action’

Night of Ideas 2025: ‘Taking Action’

4th February 2025

Join us for the Night of Ideas, our annual night of debate and discussion at the Institut français d’Écosse on 4th February!

READ MORE
Comic Con Alba

Comic Con Alba

8th February 2025

Don't miss Comic Con Alba, Scotland’s new event, at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Saturday 8th February!

READ MORE
NOIR: Truth, Lies and Moral Ambiguity with the Scottish Writer Lisa Ballantyne

NOIR: Truth, Lies and Moral Ambiguity with the Scottish Writer Lisa Ballantyne

25th February 2025

Scottish Writer Lisa Ballantyne will be at the Institut français d’Écosse on Tuesday 25th February to talk about the themes of three of her novels.

READ MORE
Lemn Sissay - Let The Light Pour In

Lemn Sissay - Let The Light Pour In

9th March 2025

Spend an evening with a master of the spoken word, BAFTA nominated author, activist, performer and Sunday Times number one bestseller, Lemn Sissay OBE.

READ MORE

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
Mowgli
Open Pass Scotland
Fayre Play
Escape The Past
Kevin Quantum
Parkdean
Kids Pass
ATG
Rabbies
Edinburgh Dungeons

Popular Events

Edinburgh’s Christmas: The Polar Ice Bar
Take some time to ‘chill’ at the Polar Ice Bar, the coolest bar in the city, where your table, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice.
Christmas at the Botanics
Explore the sights and sounds of Christmas in this magical after dark experience when it returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh!
Cinderella
Join returning panto favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young with a new magical pantomime for all the family at the Festival Theatre!
Huey Morgan - The Fun Lovin’ Criminal
Huey Morgan and the band are heading out on a UK tour in May with a date at The Liquid Room, Edinburgh on Thursday 15th!
The Sensational David Bowie Band
The Sensational David Bowie Tribute Band, the UK's premier tribute to David Bowie, returns to La Belle Angele on Friday 8th August!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall