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.  

It feels as though every trip to the RSC is a cherished memory - Karl Falconer

It feels as though every trip to the RSC is a cherished memory. From performing at the gorgeous Dell theatre as part of Open Stages, to seeing the entire King and Country cycle at the Barbican, returning to the RSC is like coming home.

I was first introduced to Pinter, Jonson and Marlowe at the RSC and have been lucky enough to see some of the greatest actors ever perform some of the most beautiful roles ever written.

A personal favourite has to be seeing Ian McKellen as King Lear at the New London theatre in 2009. I was a giddy teenager at the time and had little idea of what Shakespeare was like: i just wanted to see Gandalf. Seeing McKellen as Lear was life changing - it's the reason I'm directing and performing Shakespeare still today.

The fact that I was able to meet McKellen afterwards, and that he took the time to speak with every single person at the stage door, even in the freezing cold of December, was so touching. He signed the script I had written and brought along with 'good luck Karl,' which was slightly more restrained than Sylvestor McCoy who thought 16 year old me was actually signing him up to a film there and then at the stage door!

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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