Spotlight on our Collection

Afore Night Come by David Rudkin

New Arts Theatre Club, London (1962)

Director: Clifford Williams

Designer: John Bury

The production of non-Shakespeare plays and new works was vital to Peter Hall's vision for the future of the RSC when he established the company in 1961. The 1962 debut of this play was extremely well received by critics and audiences. It was also Clifford Williams' first production for the company.

This photograph shows (from left to right) - Timothy West as 'Ginger', David Warner as 'Jim', Joe Gibbons as 'Albert', Henley Thomas as 'Jeff' and Gerry Duggan as 'Roche'.

Image by Reg Wilson © Royal Shakespeare Company

Singer by Peter Flannery

Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 1989

Director: Terry Hands

Designer: Sanja Jurca Avci

The 1989 production of this play was its stage debut. This painting by Jose Tiznikar provided a backdrop to what was going on onstage. The plot centres around Peter Singer, a Polish Jew held at Auschwitz. In the painting, the striped uniform that millions of Jews were given to wear in concentration camps is instantly recognisable In this production Peter Singer was played by Antony Sher.

The Wives' Excuse by Thomas Southerne

Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 1994

Director: Max Stafford-Clark

Designer: Julian McGowan

This programme advertised the revival of Thomas Southernes 1691 play The Wives' Excuse by the RSC. First performed at Drury Lane, the play was not well received and there is no record of any performances between 1691 and the revival in 1994.

The married couple at the centre of the plot, Mr and Mrs Friendall, were played by Robert Bowman and Olivia Williams.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, dramatised by Adrian Mitchell

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 1998

Director: Adrian Noble

Designer: Anthony Ward

This magical and popular story by C.S. Lewis was adapted by Adrian Mitchell and opened on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage in 1998. It was an extremely popular production. Every year at Christmas the RSC puts on a show designed to appeal especially to children and families. However, tickets sales suggest that it isn't just children who enjoy these productions as plenty of adults come along as well!

This shaggy lion's mane was worn by Patrice Naiambana in the role of Aslan.

Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, dramatised by Adrian Mitchell

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 2001

Director: Rachel Kavanaugh

Designer: Peter McKintosh

Mitchell's adaptataion of Lewis Carroll's most famous novels followed on from his work on The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in 1998. This production was specially commissioned by the RSC and was part of the company's Winter Season.

This colourful cap was worn by Dominic Marsh in his role as the Knave of Hearts.