60 years of memories

Last year we celebrated 60 years since the granting of our royal charter, and as we continue to celebrate this milestone, we want to hear from you. You, along with the millions of others who have enjoyed performances in Stratford-upon-Avon, London, across the country and around the world, are at the heart of our Royal Shakespeare Community. 

Our audiences are part of our history, and we want to hear your voice and your experiences. From your first time visit to your favourite Shakespeare or family production, how the RSC has inspired you, or even bumping into your favourite actor, we would love to hear your most cherished memory of the RSC.

Below you can read the memories that have already been submitted. You can submit your own memory online or if you have any questions please email memories@rsc.org.uk.

Richard II_ 1987_ Jeremy Irons as Richard II_1987_Photo by Reg Wilson _c_ RSC_301868
Jeremy Irons in Richard II, the Barbican Theatre, 1987. Directed by Barry Kyle.
Photo by Reg Wilson © RSC Browse and license our images
The Tempest_ 2016_ Ariel and Prospero_2016_Photo by Topher McGrillis _c_ RSC_207549
Simon Russell Beale and Mark Quartley in The Tempest, 2016.
Photo by Topher McGrillis © RSC Browse and license our images
Romeo and Juliet_ 1961_ Juliet cradles the dead Romeo_1961_Photo by Angus McBean _c_ RSC_40708
Dorothy Tutin and Brian Murray in Romeo and Juliet, 1961. Directed by Peter Hall.
Photo by Angus McBean © RSC Browse and license our images
Henry VI_ Part 1 _2006_Ellie Kurttz_93018
Chuk Iwuji in Henry VI, Part 1, Courtyard Theatre, 2006. Directed by Michael Boyd.
Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC Browse and license our images

Shakespeare memories

As you reflect on your memories, we ask you to consider making a donation to help Keep Your RSC and guarantee transformative experiences of theatre for future generations. You will be creating memories that last a lifetime.

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You can use the search bar to find your own memory, or search for specific actors or plays.  

I finally got to see all 39 Shakespeare plays with Two Noble Kinsmen - John Hutchings, Member

Some while ago I switched on the TV and Pointless Celebrities was on. I watched a bit of it, waiting to see the news. One questions was to name any Shakespeare play with either an O or a K in it. I knew one that had both letters in it – The Two Noble Kinsmen – and it turned out this was a pointless answer. I knew of the play because in 2004 I had decided to see every Shakespeare play at the theatre and read each play before I saw it. By 2012 I had seen 38 of the plays (and by 2020 most of them a second time) nearly all with my wife Hannah.  

The 39th and last was The Two Noble Kinsmen and this was rarely played in this country. I had almost given up hope when years later in September 2016 it was to play at RSC Stratford – so Hannah & I got tickets. When there I brought the programme and Hannah was to take a picture of me with the programme to mark the event. A young woman was passing by and asked, ‘Did you like it?’ and I explained how this was to be the final play to see in my quest to see all the plays. Then I thought why she asked me in quite this way so I said ‘why are you in it?’ and she said ‘Yes’ so I asked her to join me in the photo. A short whilst later I was to see her acting one of the main parts in the play.  

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Shakespeare memories

As we celebrate 60 years of incredible theatre we would love to hear your most cherished memories of the RSC, from your first visit to your favourite production, how the RSC inspired your or even bumping into your favourite actor. You are at the heart of our Royal Shakespeare Community and we ask that, as you reminisce, you consider making a donation to Keep Your RSC making amazing memories for another 60 years.

Make a donation Share a memory
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