Where is the Royal Shakespeare Theatre?

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is at Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB

The Swan Theatre is at Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS

 

In brief

The original Shakespeare Memorial Theatre opened on this site on the banks of the River Avon in 1879. But was gutted by a fire in 1926. A new Shakespeare Memorial Theatre opened in 1932 on a site next to the original. It was renamed to Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 1962 following the founding of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1961. The redevelopment took place from 2007 and 2010. It was reopened by 2011. The site includes the Swan Theatre.

Royal Shakespeare Theate from The REC, overlooking the River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon (January 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

 

Royal Shakespeare Theatre - history

The original Shakespeare Memorial Theatre was opened in Stratford-upon-Avon on the banks of the River Avon, near what is now called Waterside in 1879. The architects was Dodgshun and Unsworth. This theatre was gutted by a fire in 1926 (this building was later restored and became the Swan Theatre from 1986).

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre renovations (April 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The new Shakespeare Memorial Theatre was completed and opened next to the old theatre in 1932. The architect was Elisabeth Scott.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre renovations (September 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Royal Shakespeare Company was formed in 1961, and in the following year of 1962, the theatre was renamed to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre renovations (January 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The whole theatre, including the Swan Theatre was complete refurbished from about 2005 until 2011. This included adding a shop and cafe.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre (May 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The theatre has been a Grade II* listed building since 1971, with revisions in 2016.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre (May 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Foundation stones from 1929 and 1932

After the fire of 1926 gutted the original Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, work began to built a new theatre from 1928 until 1932.

This foundation stone was laid on the 2nd July 1929 by the Rt Hon Lord Ampthill, Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, to commemorate the rebuilding of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre (January 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre was reopened on the 23rd April 1932 by HRH Edward Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII in 1936), as recorded by this stone.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre (January 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact details

Royal Shakespeare Company

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Waterside

Stratford-upon-Avon

Warwickshire

CV37 6BB

Box Office team on 01789 331111

email the Box Office at tickets@rsc.org.uk