ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE

The construction of the theatre was the result of combined passions and energies, helped by private donations: until the 19th century, Shakespeare's birthplace and all the places where he had stayed were visited, he was worshipped, but not celebrated, because there was no theatre in Stratford. In 1870, Charles Flower donated the land. A circular theatre opened its doors in 1879. However, no troupe is yet permanently installed: performances take place in April (for Shakespeare's birthday) and in summer only. The building having been completely destroyed in 1926, the current theatre was built in 1932, thanks to a private donation, according to Elisabeth Scott's plans. A first company was established in 1950, including John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, among others... But the Royal Shakespeare Company was really founded in 1961, thanks to Peter Hall, who built a second theatre (The Swan) and set up a stage in London, the Barbican Theatre. Over the past 30 years, the company has been enriched by the work of Ben Kingsley, Vanessa Redgrave, Jeremy Irons and, more recently, Kenneth Brannagh. Curiously enough, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre work together behind the scenes, so that Falstaff can be found alongside La Mouette, Othello, La Duchesse de Malfi.... in all courtesy! Guided tours are regularly conducted by Shakespearean theatre enthusiasts who will teach you the history of backstage and rehearsals.