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Stratford-upon-Avon
The New Shakespeare Memorial Theatre
The New Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, which arose from the ashes of the old theatre, was opened on
April 23 1932 by the Prince of Wales. Whatever you think of it as a building, it has become one of the
best-known landmarks in Great Britain, and a mecca for Shakespeare lovers from all over the world. At the
time of writing (November 2010) major reconstruction work has been completed and the theatre has just
reopened.  Have a look at some postcards of the building as it was.  
Old Postcard, Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare Memorial Theatre
The traditional and now world-famous view, which is now (2008) changing !    (Z)
Theatre Gardens, Stratfrod-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon, New Theatre
A view from the Bancroft. This postcard was mailed on 2 May 1937, just a few days before I was born, and ten
days before the coronation of George VI. The card bears an Edward VIII postage stamp.  (
Z)
The New Theatre from the theatre gardens. Look at the fashions !!   (Z)
Shakespeare Memorial Theatre
Stratford, River Avon and Theatre
The theatre from Waterside. This postcard was mailed in 1945.   (Z)
Bancroft Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon
Both the old and new theatres were originally known as "The
Shakespeare Memorial Theatre". The name was changed to
"The Royal Shakespeare Theatre" in I think the 1960s.
River Avon and Theatre Stratford
To see what's on at the theatre, click
on this link to the
RSC.
A postcard from the late 1930s.    (Z)
New Theatre Interior, Stratford
Box Office Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford
Three interior views of the New Theatre.
Old Postcard, Construction of New Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
Foyer Cafe, Theatre, Stratford
The Foyer Cafe in the New Theatre.    (Z)
This interesting old postcard on the left was sent to us by Richard
Hayden from Exeter. On the back of the card it reads, in pen: "This is a
picture of one of the piles for the New Theatre". It was sent to Joseph
Fry, son of the proprietor of the Golden Lion Hotel, John Fry, on 18
February 1929. You can see what I think is the bandstand on the rec in
the background, although if it is, then what are the two house to the left
of the pile ?
A nice old postcard from the 1930s showing the New Theatre, the Bancroft and the Basin.   (Z)
Postcards of the Past
Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
A top quality postcard of the theatre by Antona of Chipping Norton - probably dating from the late 1930s.    (Z)
Custom Search
This theatre has a long and
interesting history - search the
internet and see what you can
discover !!

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Stratford-upon-Avon Theatre
The theatre from the Bancroft. This little "arm" of the basin used to be full of mud and water lilies when I was
a kid - now I believe there is a narrow boat moored there.
Reproductions of postcards with a (Z) following the description are available to buy from Zazzle - just click on the (Z) !
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