Since 1875 the Royal Shakespeare Company has been entertaining audiences across the country. Originally named the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre the venue has survived fires and undergone redevelopments to bring us the now transformed Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Recently they’ve launched a new scheme called First Time Friday – where you get the opportunity to enjoy £10 tickets to any show.
I have been to so many theatres across the region, writes Lilith Holsey-Sheppard, but I find it had to believe myself that I have never visited the RSC until now. As we arrived at the beautiful red brick building we made our way straight upstairs to the rooftop restaurant for a bite to eat before the show. As we were shown to our table I was surprised at how big the Rooftop Restaurant is. Keeping part of the old wall as a feature that is covered in old show posters, we were taken to a window table where we could see fireworks exploding in the dark skies around us.
There were two shows running on the night and the restaurant was busy. That said, the service was good and the food was tasty. Opting for the options of Chicken & Salmon both plates were cooked well and the sauces were delicious. The meus have a good selection on offer including vegan and gluten free options that change seasonally and there’s exciting and playful wine menu (I enjoyed a glass of Stone The Crows red wine).
Walking back through the restaurant we went back downstairs to make our way to the Swan Theatre for Tartuffe. The Moliere’s classic is brought bang up to date by BAFTA and Emmy-Award winning writers, Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto (The Office, Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at No. 42). Set in Birmingham the tale follows a family as their father invites a stranger in to the fold.
As we enter the auditorium to take our seats, you are thrown back in time. With and almost circular auditorium, the audience surrounding the stage. I felt like I had literally been stooped in history and in a scene from Shakespeare in Love. I looked around packed the auditorium in awe.
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Tartuffe has got to be one of the funniest stage shows I have ever seen. Incredibly well acted, the whole room filled with laughter as we followed the escapades of Tartuffe. I don’t want to give too much away as there is still plenty of time to see it, as you imagine, all doesn’t end well for the leading man in this hysterical show.
As a first time visitor to the RSC I loved it. It’s easy to navigate round and there is always something happening. Whether it’s one of their free exhibitions or one of their shows it really is a wonderful experience and a great way to take advantage of the First Time Friday offer.
