Shakespeare Memorial Theatre
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View from across the Avon
Herbert Felton Download Original
Functional 1,500-seat theatre situated on the banks of the River Avon, to replaced the original theatre, which burnt down
The building is clearly read and displays its plan at first sign and from every angle. There is little detail to the decoration, simply a few inconspicuous and mysterious carvings in brick.
The quality of the interior is clear immediately with a beautiful pale-green marble staircase. The main theatre has a proscenium arch that spans the whole of the 1,500 capacity space. Elsewhere in the building there are a number of art deco features, notably the numerous exotically designed doors.
The scheme was once referred to as ‘The New Soviet Barracks at Stratford’ upon its completion in 1932, however, it is now Grade II listed.
Data
- Begun: 1928
- Completed: Apr 1932
- Sector: Arts and culture
- Total cost: £176,400
- Funding: Public Subscription
- Tender date: 1928
- Address: Royal Shakespeare Company, The Courtyard Theatre, Southern Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Elisabeth Scott
- Client: Royal Shakespeare Company
- Building Consultant: Scott, Chesterton and Shepherd