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.  

I have kept EVERY programme right back to the first and probably have around 50 - Christine Knibb-Scarff, Member Friend

I first came to the RSC in 1969 or 1970 ( !! )  and was brought by my father when I was in Lower Sixth and doing ‘ Hamlet ‘ for ‘ A’ level . I saw the wonderful Alan Howard in the title role.

I never knew whether I should read English or be a Biologist ( my first love ) and ‘ mixed ‘ my A levels, doing Biology, Chemistry and English Literature , getting Grade A in all of them . I considered doing a 5 year course at York University giving a BSc , a BA and then in the 5th year you got an MA or MSc , but my dad said at some stage I had to decide whether I was a scientist or ‘arty farty' so I applied to do a straight Biology degree instead. Because I only had 2 science A levels lots of good universities didn’t want me ( despite the fact I got my school’s prize for A levels ) but Leicester University gave me an offer ignoring my English A level !

I loved my degree but found a lot of my fellow scientists VERY boring, so I did acting with The Humanities’ Society, did presenting of the ‘ Campus ‘ student radio programme actually from the studios of Radio Leicester and (partly cos quite a few of the girls with whom I was friendly in my Hall of Residence were doing Combined Arts) I joined them and others from The Humanities’ Society when we hared over after lectures by coach on a Thursday evening to the RSC . We had wonderful seats because one of the senior English lecturers got us concessions on prices .

I can’t remember what we saw, but I do remember that the programmes all had posters in which we put up on our walls !

After Leicester I went to a more southerly university , then got married  (was impecunious !) and lived in the South , so there were years when my connection with the RSC was lost.

It resumed probably around the early ‘80s and over the years my husband and I ( and more recently our daughter , then my father and occasionally my MIL ) have seen some WONDERFUL productions !

I remember ( totally out of chronological order probably ! )  Kenneth Brannah as Hamlet, Anthony Sher as Richard III, Jane Lapotaire in Henry VIII, The Taming of the Shrew with Alan Bates  ( think that was when I was at University ), Jeremy Irons in Richard 2nd , Judy Dench in The Merchant of Venice and more recent productions of Hamlet, Christmas productions , and the current production of ‘ Much Ado’ ( which I thought was absolutely fantastic ) .

I have kept EVERY programme right back to the first and probably have around 50 !

Ironically I moved to SOA a few years ago and applied for a part time front of house job with the RSC ,as I’d retired from my long term career, and they didn’t want me after interview!!

 

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