Royal Shakespeare Theatre
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre (grid reference SP203547) is a large national theatre owned by the Royal Shakespeare Company dedicated to the British playwright and poet William Shakespeare, and is located in his birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, in the English Midlands. The Theatre is located beside the River Avon.
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[edit] History
The modern theatre was opened on April 23, 1932 (architect Elisabeth Scott), rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original Shakespeare Memorial Theatre (opened April 19, 1879) on March 6, 1926. It is now managed by the Royal Shakespeare Company and was renamed Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 1961.
[edit] Structure
[edit] Current Structure
The theatre has a proscenium-arch stage, and a seating capacity of about 1500 people, on three tiers (stalls, circle and balcony, with additional side balconies). Entrance to the balcony is via a separate door. The theatre has several noticeable Art Deco features, including the staircase and corridors at either side of the auditorium. It is a Grade II* listed building.
The Swan Theatre and the RST (more commonly known as the Main House) share a back dock and it is possible to walk from one stage to another.
The Theatre is on the western bank of the River Avon, and the bar/restaurant balcony overlooks the river.
[edit] Redevelopment
Plans to redevelop the theatre are now underway and work will commence in 2007. Performances have transferred to the temporary Courtyard Theatre which has been built attached to and temporarily replacing the nearby theatre The Other Place. The redevelopment plans have had a very controversial theatre: as long ago as 2002, HOOT (Hands Off Our Theatre) was working to oppose the scheme when it seemed that the theatre's exterior would be demolished. However, this part of the plans has since been altered.
[edit] Facilities
The theatre has a bar, restaurant (not wheelchair accessible), and a gift shop. Backstage tours are sometimes available.
[edit] See also
Adjacent theatres:
- Swan Theatre (attached to the Main House)
- The Other Place (nearby)
[edit] External links
- Old postcard views of the original Memorial Theatre, including pictures of the 1926 fire
- Old postcard views of the "New" Theatre
- Images of England - photograph and details from listed building text
- The Stratford Guide A web site run by locals as a complete visitor guide to Stratford-upon-Avon
