SHAKESPEARE
 

Going to be in both London and Stratford. We are very interested in going to see a Shakespeare play, my 20 year is particularly interested as he is just finishing a course on Shakespeare in college.
Should we go to Globe Theatre or wait to go in Statford? Probably will only see one because 15 year old will not enjoy more than one.

I have not the slightest hesitation isn saying that the best Shakespeare in the world is done at Stratford by the RSC; the second best by the RSC anywhere. I saw my first Shakespeare play at Stratford when I was 10 and have been a regular visitor since. There have been occassions when i did the matinee at the big theatre, fitted in something early evening at the Other Place and then saw another play at night.

The RSC makes Shakespeare more alive than any other company I've ever seen do it.

Dear Sharon,

Don't sell your 15 year old or Shakespeare short.

When properly done, Mr S's plays are interesting to all.

He was, you might recall, perhaps the most popular playwright of his time. He made a heap of money selling tickets to the common folks.

My kids thoroughly enjoyed the RSC performance of Hamlet at Stratford when they were 13 and 15. A good performance can be absolutely captivating. The only reason we didn't see anything at the Globe was that we didn't care for the offerings during our visit (the ultra-modern Macbeth was panned by almost everybody). I agree with ira, don't undersell either your child nor hte performers. Especially if one play is a comedy and the other is famous and action-packed (Hamlet, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, etc.). My kids have enjoyed them all. It helps if the child is somewhat familiar with the storyline in advance.

Hi Sharon.

One of the most unforgettable experiences I have had was a RSC production of Romeo and Juliet one evening in Stratford. We didn't include our son who was only 9 at the time. Instead, we purchased a Shakespeare for Children book, which he read while we were at the theatre. Then, we all discussed the play over breakfast the next morning. It was magic!

The point of all this rambling is, whatever production you choose, perhaps your younger child will beneift from some advance preparation in plain English. Have a great trip!