Something Rotten

Something Rotten is a musical comedy set in the Elizabethan era, following two brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, who are struggling playwrights living in the shadow of William Shakespeare. When a local soothsayer predicts that the future of theater involves singing, dancing, and acting all at once, the Bottom brothers attempt to write the world's first musical. This production brings a satirical lens to classic theater, with plenty of anachronistic humor and clever wordplay. Catch Something Rotten at the Stratford Festival Theatre on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The Festival Theatre is a grand space known for its thrust stage, offering an immersive view of the action from multiple angles. This show is a good fit for anyone who enjoys witty dialogue, Broadway-style musical numbers, and a playful take on history.