Stratford-Upon-Avon: RSC Theatres

The RSC is committed to keeping a full programme of productions running in Stratford during all the re-development work. The links below will give you a full guide to the scheduled productions in 2008.

Work started on the £112.8 million theatre refurbishment.

Visitors will no doubt be aware that there are three theatres dedicated to the works of Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon. These theatre's, run by the Royal Shakespeare Company play host to numerous productions and events throughout the year and are the heart of the RSC's operations.

The smallest of these theatres is the newly transformed Courtyard theatre which was opened to the public in July 2006. The Courtyard theatre is going to play an important supporting role for the RSC whilst the re-development of the main 14 acre will mean a lengthy closer of the other two theatres, the Swan Theare and the flagship Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

The RSC is planning to develop "the best theatre in the world for Shakespeare" by completing transforming the Royal Shakespeare Site whilst maintaining key original features.

Below is an artist impressions of how the Theatre will look once the refurbishment has been completed

The main features of the redevelopment are :

• A new thrust stage seating over 1,030 for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
• Restoration of the valued heritage elements of the building
• An accessible riverside walkway running alongside the RSC's theatres enhancing access to the river and gardens
• Dramatically expanded and fully accessible public areas with improved facilities for audiences, including a rooftop cafe/restaurant and two new cafe/bars, foyers linking the Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres, and more and better toilets
• A theatre tower marking the new entrance, providing circulation to all parts of the building and unrivalled views across Stratford
• A public square, providing a meeting place and outdoor stage for music and performance that connects the theatres and their surrounding environment
• Improved and accessible backstage conditions for artists and stage crew, including new dressing rooms as well as training, study and rehearsal spaces for actors
• A centre for the RSC's workshop, learning and administrative facilities immediately opposite the theatre, providing opportunities for tours revealing the backstage life of the Company

Work commenced not long after Stratford District Council unanimously approved the planning application on Thursday (April 19th). The Royal Shalespeare Theatre is now closed and the Swan Theatre will close later this year whilst the work is carried out. The work is scheduled to be completed in 2010.

The design of the new theatre is not without its opponents however and the proposed tower is attracting criticism from some respected bodies including the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the Warwickshire Gardens Trust and action group Stratford Voice.

See more information about the plans at the RSC's web site.