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.  

Getting a magical house seat for Nicholas Nickleby - Rachel A E Feldberg, subscriber

So many years of memories-- Getting a magical house seat for Nicholas Nickleby. I was in my twenties, working as a young actor, and I'd been waiting in the queue for hours. As I edged forward the doors closed- and the sign went up 'House Full'. I gazed through the glass and sank down on the steps in disbelief. After 5 minutes the young house manager stuck his head round the door and said 'we've got a spare seat in the dress circle- with free champagne and a smoked salmon sandwich, would you like it?' It was a small miracle. Seeing Judy Dench as Viola in Twelfth Night at the Aldwych in 1969 when I was about 13 with my mother, my first real Shakespeare; her performance, that wonderfully lit set all shifting light and patterns and the music. Coming to the RSC on an attachment in1993 - spending weeks in the amazing octagonal rehearsal room at the top of the building, the  ten flights up and down every tea break, the director's table piled with Shakespeare folios, (one afternoon the room was struck by lighting and we had to evacuate) and then somehow bumping into Cicely Berry back stage.

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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