In a nutshell
Stratford’s Swan Theatre is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) permanent exhibition, which takes visitors through 100 years of theatre in the Bard’s home town. Exhibits at The Play’s The Thing range from costumes worn by famous actors who’ve performed at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST) to a copy of the playwright’s first folio. Displays are grouped into sections, such as blood, guts and gore; animals and mythical monsters, and fairies and magical worlds. Although the exhibition (refreshed every six months or so) is packed with facts and figures, it’s also hands-on and interactive, making it particularly family-friendly.
Fun fact
The exhibition offers great behind-the-scenes details about the RSC’s history of bringing Shakespeare’s plays to audiences – including the fact that fake blood used on stage tastes and smells like sweets because of the glucose used in making it.
Best thing about it?
My two girls were gripped from the start by the short animated video that sets the theatrical scene. However, at 11 and 13, neither is too old for a spot of dressing up, with the chance to “try on” virtual costumes in front of the Magic Costume Mirror, with the addition of real-life accessories such as masks and hats. After swiping through glamorous eveningwear, bloodied robes and battledress, kids can select their favourite photos and email them to themselves. While my youngest was still busy pouting and posing, her teenage sister loved playing Hamlet … thanks to the videogame tech that enabled her to appear alongside Ewart James Walters as the ghost.
What about lunch?
The Swan Theatre shares its front of house with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and offers several refuelling options. We found its Riverside Cafe relatively cheap and cheerful, offering sandwiches, soups, cakes and drinks. My two were happy with the Kids’ Box meal deal, with sandwich, piece of fruit and juice for £5.25, supplemented by pitta bread and hummus (£1.25), carrot and cucumber sticks (75p) and cheddar, celery and pear chutney (which, at £1.50, was the luxury hit of the day). The town centre is on the doorstep, with options to suit all budgets. Try Hobsons Patisseries on Henley Street (eat in or takeaway) and the family-run Deli Café in 17th-century premises on Meer Street (kids’ sausage and mash £3.75).
Exit through the gift shop?
It’s easy enough to exit with no more than you came in with, although the gift shop in the foyer of the RST is refreshingly untacky. I’d rather shell out for a book of illustrated stories from Shakespeare, a badge set of Shakespeare Insults or a “Though she be but little she is fierce” keyring (my youngest’s pocket-money choice at £3.50) than another overpriced piece of plastic tat.
Getting there
Stratford Park & Ride is adjacent to Stratford Parkway station, and trains also run into Stratford town station (served by West Midlands Trains and Chiltern Railways). Stratford-upon-Avon is just over seven miles from Junction 15 of the M40, and there is also good access from the M42 and M5. There are plenty of car parks (and bicycle racks) within a few minutes’ walk of the theatre.
Opening hours
Daily from 10.20am. The exhibition will close from 10-20 June 2019 to prepare for a changeover of costumes and displays and will reopen on 21 June.
Value for money
We were there around an hour, so at £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for under-18s it’s on the pricey side. However, up to four kids go free with every full-paying adult in the Warwickshire school holidays and on Sundays (offer not available online), and tickets can be upgraded to a 12-month pass at no extra charge. Alternatively, an Explorer Pass (£15 adult, £7.50 under-18s) includes a theatre tour, views from the RST Tower and entry to The Play’s The Thing, although all activities must be completed in one day.
Verdict
9/10.
There’s lots to do in and around Stratford-upon-Avon and The Play’s The Thing is well worth including on an itinerary to inspire young thespians and show youngsters that there’s more to Shakespeare than studying him in a stuffy classroom.
