In collaboration with the Everything to Everybody Project, 10/400 celebrates Birmingham’s very own First Folio – which turns 400 this year – as well as the Library of Birmingham’s 10th Birthday. The free Shakespeare take-over is fun for all the family with interactive performances, Shakespeare treasures and improvisation.

Oliver Senton, School of Night said: “Be prepared for Shakespeare as you’ve never seen or heard him before! We’ll be having fun with performances which deliver in to the Shakespeare Collection revealing to visitors the hidden treasures of the Library on its 10th Anniversary.”

Taking place in locations throughout the Library of Birmingham, the full programme of activities, featuring Olivier Award winning artists, members of the Royal Shakespeare Company and local improvising guest stars will include: School of Night improvising with treasures from the Shakespeare Collection; Shakespeare inspired music from Dylan Emery; Shake It Up Shakespeare using audience suggestions and imaginations to create a brand new Shakespeare play throughout the day; plus amateur West Midlands based improv groups delivering improvised Shakespeare activities throughout the Library.

Birmingham’s First Folio – which belongs to all the people of Birmingham – turns 400 in November and this is another opportunity for members of the public to view the Folio as well as items from Birmingham’s collection which contains more than 40,000 volumes, 17,000 production photographs, 2,000 music scores, hundreds of British and international production posters, 15,000 performance programmes and 10,000 playbills.

The 10/400 family day also celebrates the Library of Birmingham’s 10th Birthday, opened by the then aged 16 year old Malala Yousafzai, the Library has become one of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings. Cllr Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage & Tourism, Birmingham City Council said: “It seems fitting to be marking the Library of Birmingham’s birthday by celebrating one of Birmingham’s oldest, largest, and most famous historic collections. Public libraries belong to everybody in the city – whether it’s treasures like the Shakespeare Collection or children’s activities and family fun days.”

The Everything to Everybody Project is a collaboration between the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Council, with funding contributed by National Lottery Heritage Fund and History West Midlands ‘Everything to Everybody’ will give this uniquely democratic Shakespeare heritage back to people and communities across Birmingham.