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.

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You can use the search bar to find your own memory, or search for specific actors or plays.  

Jeremy swash buckled his way off stage, down the steps to the right of our seats - Avril McArthur, Member

The first Shakespearean production I saw was of Romeo and Juliet in 1960, at the age of 15, while at school in Gloucester. This was not a RSC production but at The Old Vic and starred Judi Dench and John Stride. It sparked a passion for Shakespeare leading to attendance at many productions ever since.  

Since then, I have kept all my theatre programmes spanning the years from the CENTENARY season of 1975 at the RSC with Alan Howards Henry IV and V to the present day. I also joined the RSC as an associate Member (it was only £1.25 to join then!) and am now a Member.  

I have a summer 1976 RSC Newspaper announcing the ‘casting for Stratford Henries’ with Alan Howard in the title roles. I attended these productions at The Aldwych with my partner (now my husband) and my late mother. Later, we saw Howards sunning performance as Coriolanus, where he was, to the audience’s amazement, famously slung aloft onto a bar on his fellow actors shoulders. I had also seen Alan in 1976 in Good.  

In 1987, The RSC’s production of The Rover by Aphra Benn, starring Jeremy Irons, my all time favourite actor, came to The Mermaid in London. My husband had seat no. 2 in the front row and I had sear no.3. When no one appeared to sit in seat no.1 I put my new bright blue long coat on the seat. The play proceeded until Jeremey swash buckled his way off stage, down the steps to the right of our seats and, lifting my coat onto his lap, say on seat no.1. I really found it profoundly difficult to concentrate on the play, fervently wishing I w as on Seat no.2.  

After a period of time, Jeremy went back up the steps and was some way across the stage when he did a theatrical ‘double take’ looking down at my coat he was still carrying! He returned it to the front of the stage and handed it back to me with a charming smile! Concentrating on the performance was even more difficult after that but a wonderful memory for me!

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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