The Play's The Thing

Step inside and discover more than 400 years of theatre-making magic.

Discover more than 400 years of theatre-making magic

Containing items from the RSC Collection, one of the most significant Shakespeare and theatre collections in the world, our free The Play's The Thing exhibition offers a unique insight into the history of theatre-making in Stratford-upon-Avon.

No advance booking required, except for groups of 10+ 

Level 1 Swan Theatre
Midday - 7pm (4pm Sundays) 
Free 

 

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Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations 2024_2024_Photo by Sam Allard - Fisher Studios _c_ RSC_371919 (1)

Curated for 2026/28

Enter the ever-changing world of the RSC, and explore our history and work here in Stratford-upon-Avon. Each year different community groups engage with our collections, sharing their perspectives and selecting objects for display.

For 2026, two groups helped to co-curate this exhibition, exploring the connections between people, place and theatre. Their stories demonstrate links with their communities, the RSC and the power of theatre to change and strengthen society. 

 

 

 

The Making of The Play’s the Thing 2026 New Perspectives on the RSC’s Collections

Running time: 3 minutes

This film documents the journey of co-creators, Nottingham Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall (TRCH) and Stratford Youth Collective (SYC). Both groups took part in two workshops exploring what makes their town and the people that live there special and their connection to Shakespeare, the RSC and its collection.

The Making of The Play’s the Thing 2026 follows our co-creators as they developed their displays and records their experiences in their own words.

Play Video

 

Heritage

 

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In This Section

Inside The Play's The Thing

See inside one of the most important Shakespeare and theatre collections in the world and immerse yourself in the history of performance.

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Our collection and archive

We have collected more than 4,000 items related to our shows and theatre history in Stratford-upon-Avon. Together they create a fascinating record of our theatre-making past.

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