The Royal Shakespeare Theatre sits on the bank of the Avon in the centre of Stratford, its distinctive brick tower one of the architectural landmarks of the town. The RSC has been based here since 1879, producing Shakespeare's plays in repertory with the company's own permanent ensemble of actors. The current building, completed in 2011 after a decade-long reconstruction, has a thrust stage that puts the audience on three sides of the playing space — a format that makes the theatre feel intimate despite its 1,040 seats.
The RSC runs a year-round programme, with the main Shakespeare season running from spring to autumn and a more varied winter programme. A significant proportion of Stratford's visitors come specifically to see a production; booking well in advance is essential for popular shows in summer. The quality of the work is consistently among the best in Britain — this is a major theatrical institution, not a heritage attraction.
The building also has a viewing platform at the top of the tower, accessible by lift or stairs, which gives the best aerial view of the town, the river, and the surrounding Warwickshire countryside. Worth the ticket even if you are not attending a performance.