Shakespeare Theatre

The tour of Shakespeare Theatre was quite good but I could have done with going round on my own to assimilate everything. Tour guides are useless if they can't make themselves heard. We were in groups of 20, but 10 would have been better.

I was interested in the bank of computers that did everything on stage. We watched chandeliers being lowered and the stage rising and falling. Even the rows of seats were computer operated. The guide said if they wanted a forest scene all they had to do was download the trees from the store in the ceiling. Everything up there was suspended on ropes.

The first thing I did when I walked into the main theatre (there are two) was look up. I have a thing about ceilings! Well I’ve seen studios with umpteen cameras and lights but I’ve never seen a collection of fixtures and fittings before. It was amazing.

Photography was not allowed during the tour, which was when it was needed. Bah! All I could get was a few shots of the exterior and a few round the gift shop area. I was told later (damn) that everything was on postcards which were on sale in the shop. Now they tell me!

A few of us ambled round the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Most of it is quaint but commercialism has crept in - the big supermarkets filled one of the major roads. Although I have visited Stratford many times there is always something new to discover, alleyways tucked away between buildings, only noticed if you were dawdling and your head was turned in the right direction.

I came across one delightful passageway that was stuffed full of ancient artifacts but there was such a crowd there it was difficult to take pictures. I was thwarted whenever I tried.

Oh well, maybe you’ll get a flavour of the place with these. First are shots of the theatre building.

The little houses on the right are where the players stay

An invitation to go up the tower

The tower from the outside ... the trip up wasn't included in the tour.

The theatre is right in front of the River Avon

The view from the cafe balcony. The cafe was the main entrance to the theatre before refurbishment.

The gift shop

A display of stage costumes

Advertising Macbeth

Another river shot. Swans, goslings and year old swans were there in abundance

From a performance of As You Like It ... a picture on the wall, so high I nearly missed it.

More stage costumes hanging ... just for show

The second theatre is called The Swan ... this is a fountain showing silver swans and beneath is the record of inauguration

Into the town. First, a toy shop.

Isn't he cute?

How much is that doggy in the window? The dog was interested in something moving on the far side of the window... a fly or maybe a mouse! He attracted quite a gathering of people.

Shots of olde worlde buildings

This is the quaint passageway I mentioned. I love these old places.

Put this in for Faye!

Another passageway full of trendy boutiques

Centrally heated umbrellas! I've never seen these before.

Fascinating array of goodies in this shop window

Street scenes

That's it. I hope you enjoyed the tour of Stratford.