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.

Make a donation Share a memory

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

The Comedy of Errors was so funny and brilliant from then on we saw plays every season - Member

Having lived in Italy for several years I returned to the UK in 1980 and shortly after met another Mum at the school gate. Maureen was deeply into Shakespeare and the Twin Club I attended has been sent a ticket offer for The Comedy of Errors. I asked if she would like to go and she said ‘yes, please’. The production was so funny and brilliant – blue faces and clowns – and from then on we saw plays from every Season, watching the theatres develop: The Swan, The Other Place to The Courtyard and the refurbishment of the Main Theatre, until she sadly passed away in December 2011. I’ve continued supporting the RSC and was thrilled to see The Comedy of Errors in the Garden Theatre in July.  

Our highlights:  

Simon Russell Beale’s entrance in Man of Mode – he just stood there in his outrageous costume and you laughed. A marvellous voice. We were immediate fans and attempted to see whatever he was in.  

By chance, standing next to Damian Lewis selecting cards in the Swan Theatre shop.  

Noticing, one evening at the Swan, HRH Prince Charles slipping into a sea just as the lights went down and the play started.  

Greg Hicks n Coriolanus, covered in blood, being stopped mid speech by the fire alarm; the audience being evacuated and returning to our seats for him to carry on where he has left off as if nothing had happened.  

The wonderful Complete Works Season in 2006.  

Following young actors developing their career paths over the years. Too numerous to mention!  

Matilda the Musical as the Courtyard Theatre in January 2011. 

Our lives have been enriched. 

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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