RSC unveils plans for £100m redevelopment

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has unveiled plans worth £100m to transform its home in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The RSC has been working with project architect Bennetts Associates to draw up initial designs for the Grade II listed theatre. The RSC has already received pledges for 85% of the funds required for the project.

Key elements of the scheme include a new 1,000-seat thrust-stage auditorium, the restoration of the valued heritage elements of the building, a theatre entrance tower and improved and accessible backstage conditions for artists and stage crew.

RSC artistic director Michael Boyd said: “We want to move away from the 19th Century proscenium picture frame to a theatre which celebrates interaction.

Our commitment to bring an immediacy and clarity to Shakespeare means we need to bring the audience to a more engaged relationship with our actors. The best way we can achieve this is in a bold, thrust-stage, one-room auditorium - a modern take on the theatres of Shakespeare's day.”