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.  

I have so many memories it is well nigh impossible to choose the “most cherished” - Jennifer Tattersall, Subscriber

Nine days after you officially became the RSC, I was in the Aldwych Theatre, London, at a performance of The Duchess of Malfi. Since then I have so many memories of productions at Stratford, Newcastle and London that it is well nigh impossible to choose the “most cherishes”.  

John Napier’s magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 1977 with fairies who turned into rocks and Tatiana’s butterfly cloak spread over the stage – the electrifying conclusion to Adrian Nobles Macbeth in 1088 when McDuff kicked Miles Anderson off the stage onto a suddenly emerging platform – Antony Ward’s designs for Troilus and Cressida in 1990 which inspired my teenage daughter to direct her artistic flair to life in the theatre – Henry VI parts 1, 2 and 3 in a single day in the Courtyard Theatre in 2006 with a picnic in the park and supper in the much missed Box Tree restaurant.  

But I have to highlight the last production I saw wit my late husband, in November 2016 of The Two Noble Kinsmen; not only found memories of him but the culmination of my life’s ambition to see every Shakespeare play in the canon.  

Thank you RSC! 

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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