Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear - do I have to dress up?
Not at all - wear whatever you feel comfortable in - the most important thing is that you can sit and relax and enjoy the show. However, if you do want to make it a special occasion then feel free to get 'glammed-up' and go glitzy!
If you're doing a workshop/event before or after watching the show, make sure you have suitable clothing with you for plenty of movement - flat, soft shoes/trainers and loose clothing are recommended
What if I'm late - will I still be allowed in to watch the show?
Make sure you are not late at the start or after the interval - you might not be able to take your seats until much later - or in some shows at all!
Where is the best place to sit?
This depends on lots of factors - your budget, whether you have any physical disabilities or very young children in your party, the style of the show and also your personal preferences. The seats are generally price coded according to how close/central they are to the stage, but actually there are no bad seats - talk to the box office when making your choice.
How will I know when to clap?
Show your appreciation for the performers and those who have worked hard for your entertainment - if you're not too sure when you should clap - listen to and watch others around you - otherwise, trust your instincts
How can I be sure I won't feel out of place or silly?
RSC Front of House staff are used to working with members of the public from all over the world and with many different experiences of theatre-going. Thousands of people come to the theatre for the first time every year (otherwise they would have all closed a long time ago!). We are happy to help you feel comfortable in your new environment - don't be afraid to ask questions - that is exactly what we are there for!
How will I know what is going on?
There are many pre-conceptions about Shakespeare's language being difficult to follow but after a few moments your ears will almost certainly adjust to it and you will hardly notice anything different.
It's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the story before you watch the play - there are many places you can find outlines of the story:
1. There is a synopsis of the play in each production programme
2. Our website, www.rsc.org.uk/learning has all sorts of useful information that might help you to understand some of the themes, characters and plots in Shakespeare's plays
3. Many libraries, websites, schools and colleges and shops including those at the RSC have a vast range of books that help to de-mystify Shakespeare and his language
4. Many modern media use Shakespeare as their basis:
West Side Story is based on Romeo and Juliet, The Lion King has a similar storyline to Hamlet, Shakespeare in Love takes a fictional look at the writer's life. Baz Lehrman's Romeo and Juliet starring Leonardo di Caprio is a great modern framework of the story, even new TV adverts and serials are using his language as a means of communication - can you think of any?
I want to go to an on stage event - will I have to speak in front of others?
All RSC Events are as interactive as you want them to be - we will never ask you to do something that you don't feel comfortable with. You can have as much or as little input as you would like - nobody will ever put you under the spotlight - unless you want to be there of course!
I have a disability - can I still get involved?
The Royal Shakespeare Company offers a range of additional services for deaf and disabled patrons including captioned, sign language interpreted and audio described performances for most productions - for more details and to join the access newsletter free mailing list please email access@rsc.org.uk. The RSC website also has a full Access Guide available in PDF format.
Please note that there is no lift in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or the Swan Theatre. The circle, balcony, Galleries 1, and 2 are only accessible by stairs - approximately 70 steps to the balcony area.
Help I don't know any Shakespeare!
You know far more about Shakespeare than you think you do! Shakespeare's stories feature in modern films and musicals - for example, West Side Story, Ten Thing I Hate About You and even The Lion King. The playwright was the first to use the following phrases:
'vanished into thin air'
'green-eyed monster'
'milk of human kindness'
'all that glisters is not gold'
'hot-blooded'
'one fell swoop'
'break the ice'
...so every time you say these words and phrases, you're quoting Shakespeare!
