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.  

The RSC has played a major part in my personal life - Martin O'reilly - Silver Patron

I came to Stratford first in 1985 to see Othello with Ben Kingsley, David Suchet and Niamh Cusack, but I didn’t start going regularly until 1988 when I was 23.

I remember the Adrian Noble production of the Plantagenets that summer, I travelled up from London (via the advertised way by public transport, train to Coventry then bus to Stratford! No M40 or Chiltern railways back then) and stayed over, it was an amazing event and I was hooked. I also saw the Stratford season transfers at the Barbican during same period which introduced me to Antony Sher, Roger Allam, Harriet Walter, Simon Russell Beale and Alex Gilbreath.  Actors who I love to this day.

The RSC has played a major part in my personal life too. I rang my future wife to arrange our first date from the phone box outside the Pen and Parchment during the interval of Julius Caesar in January 1992. Our first family holidays with our children were in Stratford. We went to many plays as a young family, not Titus Andronicus obviously!

We moved from London to Alcester in 2002 so Stratford was on the doorstep which made trips even easier.  The children loved the open days and my son in particular used to love having cuts and bruises applied and then walking around the town to horrified looks! Those experiences certainly played a part in him going to Rose Bruford Drama School in London to study Scenic Arts, focusing on make-up and prosthetics, I am proud to say he graduated with a first. My daughter, who has a preference for Musicals nowadays can, I'm pleased to say still be persuaded to see Shakespeare. We all saw The Tempest with Simon Russell Beale recently.

Now single and living in Redditch, I have recently upgraded to Silver patron having been Bronze for the last decade and before that a member. The RSC remains a pivotal part of my life and will continue to do be. My favourite play is King Lear, I have seen 38 productions in theatres big and small around the country. The best is still the 1990 revival at Stratford directed by Nicholas Hytner with the late great John Wood in the title role. He was surrounded by an amazing cast including David Troughton, Ralph Fiennes, Norman Rodway, Estelle Kohler and Alex Kingston.

 

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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