artsfan

Whole family is Shakespeare-crazed. Kids have now seen more than 2 dozen of his plays. We will be in London for 6 days this summer and I was looking at tix to Shakespeare's Globe. However, in searching here on Fodor's I am finding more recommendations for the RSC. We have seen them in NYC and thoroughly enjoyed them; who wouldn't? However, I am wondering whether we would be better off going to the Globe or taking a train out to Stratford. Clearly this will take a much bigger chunk out of our day, and it seems, based on a look at the RSC website, that their theatres are under construction. Any thoughts re one theater company or the other? Also, how long does it take to get to Stratford by train? Thanks.

Patrick

In my humble opinion, while the Globe is fun for the experience, you usually can't expect the same high quality production as you'll find at RSC.

Go to Stratford for the day. You can see two shows and take the late train back after the last one to London (but it will be a late night. (11:15 PM to 1:35 AM) Or if not, just go for a matinee. I believe there might also be an early morning train which would allow you to take the hop on, hop off bus tour out to Anne Hathaway's cottage and the home of Shakespeare's mother.

There's also a nice museum at the theatres and a good backstage tour.
The train goes direct from Paddington. Unless the schedule has changed the summer time is 9:18 departure for 11:35 arrival in Stratford. It's a fairly long, but pleasant walk through the town to the Shakespeare theatres.

janis

Patrick's info is really good. But you are only going to be in London for 6 days, so you might want to think twice about leaving town for a full day. I have been to Stratford many times - once saw the full Henry trilogy on one (very very long) day which was an amazing experience.

I agree the RSC standard will likely be higher than at the Globe or at Regents Park. If you were in London longer it would be a no brainer for me. But w/ only 6 days - the first day is pretty much a bust due to jet lag, etc. Decide which other things you want to see in London - it takes a lot of time to even scratch the surface.

Not that you shouldn't go to Stratford - but just weigh all the issues: time in London, costs, which plays are in rep at both venues the day(s) you are there, what you will have to skip in London, etc and then decide.

artsfan

Ah, ok, so you are both pretty clear that the RSC is superior. We are already planning a trip out of town to do the Oxford/Cotswolds explorer day with London Walks. DH and I have been to London various times before and kids (college age) will undoubtedly go again, so I don't think we feel the need to "cover" every last sight. I guess we will have to prioritize and then decide...Thanks very much.

TuckH

FWIW - I, too am "Shakespeare-crazed" and have been on 3-week holidays five times and have NOT been to Stratford-upon-Avon. Several times we were within a few miles of there.

My reason (valid or not) was that I didn't want the modern-day look of the place to spoil the Elizabethan one that I've set aside within my imagination.

TuckH

<3-week holidays five times> - in the UK - I meant to say...

sheila

I'm wholy with Patrick on this, as far as the RSC goes. Fantastic theattre company and no-one does it like they do.

but, depending on the time of year, you can see them in London. Since you're coming in the summer, you're stuffed unless you go to Stratford. But, hey, you say the family is Shakespeare crazed. You get a good day in Stratford, buy a picnic lunch in the bakers at eth bottom of Bridge Street, take a punt on teh river, visit Trinity Church and the birthplace; PLUS you have the chance of Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, A Comedy of Errors or As You Like It played by the best Shakespearian company in the world; your addicition will become bliss.

Anonymous

During our 3-week London sojuourn in 2001, we spent the middle week afield, including two nights in Stratford to appease the Shakespeare fans. The RSC's modern-style production of Hamlet absolutely captivated us all, including my son who was 13 at the time, he talks of it still.

By all means, visit the Globe and take the tour; we wished we had allowed more time for the museum.

janis

Anonymous: I attended the 2001 Stratford Hamlet too! I went in late sept. We sat right in front next to the walkway that protruded out into the stalls. One of the actors was kneeling on the walkway with his back to me about 3 feet from my right shoulder. And then he stood and turned and it was SAM WEST (Hamlet). I about had a heart attack - the ladies will know what I mean

sheila

If we're doing reminiscing, the first play I saw at Stratford was in 1969 and was David warner in Hamlet (to be honest, most of it went over my head- I was 12). Then I saw Comedy 4 years later, then spent the summer there in 1975 and saw EVERYTHING. Fell in love with McKellan as Romeo. Damn! how could he be gay?

tudorprincess

artsfan- I went to Stratford while only in London for 7 days and highly recommend going. I thought the town was incredibly charming. There was also a festival going on at the time so there was much to see. I haven't seen the RSC but I did see Hamlet at the Globe and thought the production was done very poorly. We walked out half way through.