My very first memory of Shakespeare and the RSC was a school trip to Stratford – I’d have been 14 at the time and up till then hadn’t really thought much of the Bard. It was just another aspect of English classes. That changed when a very enlightened English teacher (thank you Mrs. Thurkettle – you don’t know what you started!) arranged a visit (all the way from Darlington) to see The Merry Wives of Windsor. I can’t remember who was in it and truthfully I didn’t really understand all of the words, but I was bowled over by the simple spectacle of it all – the action, the sounds, the music and the costumes – I’ve been hooked ever sine.  

That might have been y first memory but without doubt my best ever memory is attending the last night of the Stratford run of Richard II with David Tennant in the lead role. What a night! The atmosphere in the auditorium was electric, the performance was brilliant and I will never forget the ending… perhaps the most poignant moment was when someone threw a bouquet of flowers onto the stage. It was picked up by Nigel who handed it to David Tennant, assuming, I guess that it was for him. David Tennant went down on both knees in from of Jane Lapotaire and handed the bouquet to her. I’m guessing there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. What an night to remember.