Shakespeare Theatre

Shakespeare's works have been performed continuously in his home town since the 19th century and a trip to Stratford would not be complete without a visit to the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. The Royal Shakespeare theatre was built in 1926 following fire damage to the 1879 original. Fortunately, the theatre was not completely destroyed during the fire; parts of the original building, a cross between a German castle and French chateau, remained. More recently,a second auditorium, the Swan Theatre was incorporated into the older part.

Now the subject of a £100million transformation, due for completion in 2010, the work will see the theatre become the largest tiered thrust auditorium in the world,enabling audiences and performers to participate in Shakespeare's work in a 1000 seat space that he would approved of. New public spaces will also be created inside and outside the building,including a rooftop restaurant, exhibition room and lift access to all floors via a tower. This tower will also provide visitors with a panoramic view of the town, including Shaespeare'sbirthplace, school and Holy Trinity Church- his last resting place.

While the work is carried out,perfromances continue in the nearby Courtyard Theatre, an impressive 1000 seat auditorium with thrust stage creating an appropriately intimate atmosphere. For full details of performances,seat prices and availability, see www.rsc.org.uk

Contact Details:

Website
www.rsc.org.uk