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.  

My father said he’s never seen me ever laugh as much as I did at Antony Quayle’s Falstaff - Hazel Parry, Member Friend

Hooray for the RSC’s 60th anniversary!  

I suddenly realise that I have a 70th anniversary of my very first coming to the theatre at Stratford (them the Royal Memorial Theatre).  I was 9 years old in April 1951. My parents and I can from London in April & Summer to see the run of history plays: Richard II, Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2, and Henry V (also the Tempest). I still have all the programmes! And the year book! And newspaper cuttings of photos of the play.  

I can recall most vividly each of those productions. My father said he’s never seen me ever laugh as much as I did at Antony Quayle’s Falstaff!  

It was a genuinely seminal years’ experience. We continued to come to see all the plays every year until I finished at university, (Drama at Bristol!) I’ve seen RSC productions many times since then, of course, both at Stratford and at the Barbican.  

Thank you for being the RSC! May you recover to fully glory and reopen very soon. I shall come and see you! How lucky I am to have grown up with so much Shakespeare.  

A picture containing text, document, receipt Description automatically generated

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
Back to main page

You may also like