Royal Shakespeare Theatre
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is a large national theatre 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.
Contents |
[edit] History
The theatre was opened in 1933 and was originally called the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. It is now managed by the Royal Shakespeare Company and was renamed in 1961.
[edit] Structure
[edit] Current Structure
The theatre has a proscenium-arch stage, and a seating capacity of about 1500 hundred 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.
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 at the end of 2007. 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:
