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.  

There was champagne. There should always be champagne - Elizabeth Dive, Subscriber

I’ve bopped to Merry Wives (’86) and sang along in 19; I’ve cried with laughter at Much Ado – Roger Allam up that tree – in ’91; not know what was going to happen next in Branagh’s Hamlet in ’93; celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary with Toby Stevens’ Coriolanus (’95); truly understood Romeo & Juliet in ’97 with Ray Fearon & Zoe Waites; sobbed with him when Michael Sheen’s Henry IV read every tag on every body bag; helped Bolingbroke (David Troughton) depose of a king (Sam West) in ’01.  

I’ve delayed a dear friend from seeing Hamlet until I could trust the actor. I chose Sam West. I wasn’t wrong. I’ve been desperately sorry for the treatment of Henry Goodman’s (I once made him blush as I complimented him) and F Murray Abrahams Shylocks; had to wipe ‘blood’ off my shoes during The Witch of Edmonton (at The Pit) and again in ’13 at Michael Fentman’s fabulous Titus Andronicus (best yest); I’ve enjoyed Christopher Eccleston’s authentic Macbeth and Ed Bennetts best ever MacDuff in ’18 an the truly brilliant gender reversal in shrew ’10 (now the only way to do it)/  

And finally… seen them all with the final The 2 Noble Kinsmen in 206. There was champagne. There should always be champagne. (And this is just the Shakespeare!)  First RSC was Patrick Stewart and Gerard Murphy at the Barbican in Henry VI, dir. Trevor Nunn 27 October 1982. I was 19 years old.  

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
Back to main page

You may also like