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Shakespeare at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Last updated: 08 February, 2024

There has been a theatre in Stratford dedicated to Shakespeare’s works since 1873, when the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre opened its doors on the site of what is now the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Director Peter Hall formed the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in 1961, and for four decades it has housed the world’s pre-eminent productions of Shakespeare’s plays, with actors from Laurence Olivier to Judy Dench.

Logistics

Price from: £30
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

Stratford is 2-2.5 hours from London by train, depending on the time between connecting trains at Leamington Spa. The theatre is a 20-minute walk (or easy taxi hop) from the station. The RSC lies right on the banks of the River Avon, a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town.

Tickets are predictably like gold dust, so it’s worth booking as soon as new shows are announced, or as far ahead of your trip as you can.

The theatre’s Rooftop Restaurant is a great spot for a pre or post-theatre meal, with views across the city.

When to do it

Productions run throughout the year – getting tickets in winter can be easier, as the RSC is a big draw for overseas tourists in the summer months.

Destination guides

2

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Stratford-upon-Avon

  • Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)

An overview of a public park with a large open grass area with people seated down.

Destination guide

Picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon combines theatre, museums and architecture to give a unique insight into Shakespeare’s life.

The Cotswolds

  • The Cotswolds, United Kingdom (UK)

Silhouettes of cottages on a misty day. Winters morning in the Cotswold village of Ebrington, Gloucestershire

Destination guide

One of England’s most beautiful regions – a patchwork landscape of idyllic countryside, postcard-perfect villages and cosy historic boutique hotels.