Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The hometown of Shakespeare has developed an international reputation for theater and is home to the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. It’s a rite of passage for serious stage actors to pass through here at some point. Overlooking Bancroft Gardens and with views along the River Avon, the main theater building is a sight in itself. There are three or four theaters to choose from, depending on the season: the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, which is the largest and features a thrust stage; the older Swan Theatre, where many Shakespearean actors prefer to perform; and the Holloway Theatre outside, wonderful in spring and summer. You can also visit The Other Place, traditionally presenting more experimental plays. A couple of minutes’ walk away from the main site (toward Holy Trinity Church), it has a cool café. At the main theater, you can take the lift to the top of the tower for incredible views of the town and countryside. Tours are highly recommended and take you behind the scenes to places like the main theater auditorium while set changes are taking place or (if you're lucky, as tours are not the same) to the costume department across the road.
