The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon reopened in 2011 after a four-year reconstruction project that cost a staggering £112 million. Stratford, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is a popular destination for those interested in learning more about his life and works. Visitors often enjoy the picturesque black and white timber houses and various sites connected to Shakespeare, but the highlight for many is seeing a Shakespeare play at the newly renovated theatre.

One of the project’s goals was to create a theatre that would engage with the town and welcome visitors by offering more than just performances. This aim was achieved, as evidenced by the enjoyable hours spent exploring the exhibitions, shop, and various interesting spaces within the theatre.

The theatre is situated by the river, with a path running alongside it and outdoor seating allowing the ground floor café to extend onto the tow-path. Here, you can enjoy a coffee or snack while watching the swans on the river. I entered through the Victorian Memorial theatre’s remaining entrance and ascended the wooden stairs to find a room dedicated to the Transformations Exhibition. This exhibition featured a time-lapse film showing the construction project’s progress and allowed visitors to examine design plans, fabric samples, and brick types used in the renovation. The architects and designers created a 7-meter deep basement below the stage and a 7-meter flying space above it, enhancing the theatre’s capabilities. The main auditorium was reshaped with horseshoe seating, bringing the audience closer to the action, similar to how plays were performed in Shakespeare’s time.

I then walked through the glass-sided concourse connecting the Swan Theatre to the main auditorium, where visitors can pick up leaflets like a family treasure trail around the building. In the shop, I bought my daughter a Manga Shakespeare version of Romeo and Juliet, hoping it would resonate with her as she studies it in school. I believe Shakespeare would be on Facebook if he were alive today.

Next, I toured the Tower, taking the lift to the 32-meter high viewing platform. The original tower, part of the Victorian Memorial theatre, served as a water tower and viewing platform but collapsed during a fire in 1926. The new tower was designed to echo the original and provide a viewing point over the town, drawing people into the new building. From the top, there is a 360-degree view of Stratford, the riverbanks, and the park areas opposite the theatre. Although it was getting dark, I could still see the Courtyard Theatre and the old black and white buildings from Shakespeare’s time. I took the lift back down but regretted not taking the stairs, as I missed the exhibition in the stairway alcoves.

The theatre offers hour-long tours every couple of hours, but I arrived too late for the last one of the day. Both the Tower and Theatre tours can be booked online, which is advisable during weekends or peak times. If you miss the tour, you can download a free MP3 audio tour or rent headphones from the shop.

My final stop was a surreal exhibition by Squidsoup, featuring a word sculpture with flowing patterns of words and sentences. Visitors could type on a screen, and their words would become part of the sculpture for the next five days. I pondered why Shakespeare remains popular today and typed “love, emotion, and speaks to the heart.” The latest entries were projected on a different screen, so you couldn’t be too inappropriate. What words would you choose about Shakespeare?

I then visited the new Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, which offers views of the river and gardens and serves meals from lunchtime through the evening. On my way down, I noticed the Ghosts in the Walls installation, projecting images and words from past productions onto the brick walls above the café.

The new Royal Shakespeare Theatre opened in autumn 2010 with small-scale events, and the first major productions began in February 2011 with King Lear and Romeo and Juliet. I look forward to bringing my daughter back to see Romeo and Juliet, hoping live theatre will enhance her understanding more than reading the text alone. Even if you’re not attending a performance, a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is worth your time to experience its atmosphere and explore its offerings.