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.  

After seeing Measure for Measure in 1950 I was hooked in Shakespeare - Member

My first trip to Stratford Theatre was in 1950 when I went on a coach with the local church in Coventry where I lived and went to school. The play was Measure for Measure: as a naïve 13-year-old I did not understand it! (John Gielgud was Angelo). From then on I was hooked on Shakespeare. I went many times in the 1950s and saw all the famous greats: Antony Quayle, Ralph Richardson, Michael Redgrave, Margaret Leighton, Barbara Jefford, Peggy Ashcroft etc. and of course Laurence Olivier, Vivian Leigh in Macbeth in 1955. It took me many years to see all 37 plays at Stratford: I think the last was Henry VIII in 1983.  

My favourite plays are The Tempest and The Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry VI Part 1. I hated all 3 parts of Henry VI, and my husband had to accompany me to Titus Andronicus in 1981 as I wanted to get under the seat!  I really did love The Comedy of Errors with Judi Dench, (1976?) Francesca Annis and Michael Williams. I saw an actor many years ago as Ariel and many years later as Prospero. (Simon Russell Beale?) 

After Marriage we had lived in Liverpool for 9 years, so I could only come once or twice. But after we moved to Hereford in 1973 I could get to matinees sometimes. Throughout, as an associate Member, I have received all the literature and newsletters etc. and read them with interest.  

Now in my mid-eighties and with arthritis, I cannot get to Stratford, but I so look forward to the RSC films introduced by the excellent Carol Klein.  

 

Another highlight, though no at Stratford, was to see Derek Jacobi as Hamlet in Elsinore Castle in 1979.  

 

Congratulations to all at the RSC on your 60th Anniversary and with best wishes for the future.

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