My first enthralling visit to the theatre was as a birthday treat - Penny Valender, Bronze Patron

My first enthralling visit to the theatre was as a birthday treat. I was about ten, in the early 60’s to see Swan Lake. It was magical and I was hooked on theatre! I have seen many productions since then in the theatre and am now introducing my grandchildren to the joys of live theatre, starting with The Boy in a Dress which they loved. Here are a few of my memories. In the Autumn of 1973 I worked temporarily as an usherette under the indomitable Heidi Bingham. I saw Richard II in full, every occasion I was on duty, Richard Pascoe and Ian Richardson alternated in the two main roles, occasionally with some interesting confusing dialogue faux pas’. On one occasion a heckler in the stalls had to be removed by security- apparently he was drunk! The Histories were thoroughly enjoyable and the company were outstanding, many going on to further great career roles. The Complete Works in 2006/7 saw many Shakespearean interpretations, from across the world, I saw them all, but 1 interpretation in Italian drove me to be first to the bar in the Arden, thankfully the production was over in 1 act! Two particular highlights stand out, the Indian version of A Midsummers Night Dream was visually stunning and I saw it more than once, Roy Williams’ Days of Significance at the Swan was an interactive performance (no ground floor seating) which was so thought provoking, disturbing and moving. The Other Place in the early days was fun to attend, just sitting on benches and being in close contact with the company, when it converted to The ‘Rusty Box’ I loved it even more, it was my most favourite theatre space with a terrific visual and acoustic atmosphere and I saw many outstanding productions. The Swan is my now preferential ‘space’ for productions, I have certainly missed attending this iconic theatre in the past year and have already booked to come again in July, albeit in the gardens.