How we transformed our theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon to create the best spaces for audiences, visitors and artists.
Our redeveloped Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres opened in 2010 and the next phase of our transformation included:
- The return of The Other Place as a new small-scale, flexible studio theatre on its original site, with new rehearsal rooms and, for the first time, public access to our costume store via our Page to Stage tour.
- Restoration of the Grade II listed Swan Wing, including the creation of a new exhibition, The Play’s The Thing, which reveals the secrets and stories behind the making of our world famous production.
- The re-configuration of our Grade II listed costume workshop to ensure this crucial aspect of theatre production remains world class.
The Other Place and Swan Wing projects opened in Spring 2016, to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.
The outside of the building looks very similar and the space is also available for commercial hires.
The theatre opened in Spring 2016 to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.
The Other Place
Originally built in 1973, The Other Place studio theatre was home to our new work in Stratford-upon-Avon. The theatre housed many landmark productions involving actors including Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren. It closed its doors in 2006 to make way for the temporary Courtyard Theatre, where we performed during the transformation of the Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres.
We have retained the existing structure of The Courtyard Theatre and have remodelled its internal space to create a vibrant, new mixed-use The Other Place which includes:
- A 200 seat studio theatre built within the existing steel structure of The Courtyard Theatre
- A new home for our Costume Store, giving public access to our 30,000 costumes for the first time through a new theatre tour
- Two new rehearsal rooms
- A new café bar with free wifi
The Swan Wing
We restored the facade and interior of the building, revealing the hidden heritage within the Swan Wing and enhancing the beautiful public spaces.