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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. |
| The traditional and now world-famous view, which is now (2008) changing ! (Z) |
| 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) |
| The theatre from Waterside. This postcard was mailed in 1945. (Z) |
| 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. |
| To see what's on at the theatre, click on this link to the RSC. |
| A postcard from the late 1930s. (Z) |
| Three interior views of the New Theatre. |
| 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 |
| A top quality postcard of the theatre by Antona of Chipping Norton - probably dating from the late 1930s. (Z) |
| Website Home Africa Asia Australasia Europe North America Stratford-upon-Avon Home Old Theatre Old Theatre Fire About Stratford Store |
| This theatre has a long and interesting history - search the internet and see what you can discover !! |
| Website Home Africa Asia Australasia Europe North America Stratford-upon-Avon Home Old Theatre Old Theatre Fire About Stratford Store |
| Please visit our online shop where you may preview and purchase many gift items, including reproduction postcards of Stratford-upon-Avon, souvenir mugs and more. |
| We'd be delighted if you would sign our Guest Book ! We welcome suggestions, corrections and constructive criticism - or just say "Hello !" and tell us where you come from. |
| If you would like to help financially with expanding and maintaining this website, we would appreciate your contribution, however small. Times are hard ! Thanks ! |








| 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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