London Theatres: The Royal Shakespeare Company – the World's Top Shakespeare Theatre

While there are many Shakespeare theatres around the world the greatest of them all is the Royal Shakespeare Company. For more than a century the RSC has hosted many Shakespeare comedies, tragedies and histories. It has also featured some of the most notable actors in theatre history. There are various different locations where RSC plays are held in London as well.

The RSC started up in 1961 by Peter Hall, the director at the Memorial Theatre. His desire to bring respect to the works of William Shakespeare was his motivation. In 1962 the RSC received an agreement with other Shakespeare theatres, including the National Theatre of Great Britain, to allow for a base in London to be held for the RSC. Hall would continue to run the RSC until 1968, and Trevor Nunn ran the RSC as its director from 1968 to 1986.

There have been various notable productions through the RSC. Nearly all of Shakespeare's works have been performed by the RSC over the years. Some plays and musicals outside of Shakespeare's works have been produced by the RSC as well, including a 1985 production of Les Miserables that Nunn directed.

Hundreds of legendary actors of stage have performed with the RSC. In 1977 Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench starred in a production of Antony and Cleopatra. In 1992 Kenneth Branagh starred in a production of Hamlet. Other stars who have played here include F. Murray Abraham, Daniel Day-Lewis, Mia Farrow, Dustin Hoffman, Jonathan Pryce, Vanessa Redgrave, Diana Rigg, Paul Scofield and Patrick Stewart.

There are three Shakespeare theatres run by the RSC in London. First, there is the Roundhouse, the primary home for the RSC. There is also the Tricycle Theatre, located on the fringe of London on Kilburn High Road. The third of the venues is the Hackney Empire Theatre, another fringe area theatre, which is on Mare Street. There are some theatres outside of London too, including in Newcastle and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Details on all products going on at these Shakespeare theatres can easily be found online. The RSC's website, rsc.org.uk, features details on all of the productions being held by the company. Tickets can be purchased through the site as well. Tickets can be ordered by telephone at 0844 800 1110. General information can be found at +44 (0)1789 403444 when outside of the United Kingdom or by 01789 403444 inside the country.

The Royal Shakespeare Company is the top theatre among all Shakespeare theatres. Various Shakespeare plays and other productions are held throughout the year and feature some of the top names in theatre. The RSC is rich in history and is a real treat to see when in London.