The Royal Shakespeare Company’s nursery—one of the few nurseries run by a theatre company in the UK—is celebrating its 50th birthday.
Based in Shottery, next to Anne Hathaway’s cottage just outside Stratford, the nursery first opened as the Theatre Playgroup in 1963.
It now welcomes children who are six months old to school age as well as those of RSC staff and actors who are working in the town. Kate Robinson has managed the nursery since 2000. Many of her team have worked together for more than ten years.
She said, “I’m delighted to be part of a unique, special and long-running organisation.
“I joined the nursery as deputy manager in 1998 and since then the team has continued to develop this wonderful facility. “This place is made special not only by its beautiful location but by the dedicated and highly trained team who are passionate about the care of the children who join us each day.
“I believe that having such a strong association with a theatre company influences those who run it so that the children who spend their time with us learn in an imaginative and playful way.”
She added, “Although many things have changed since the 1960s, the RSC nursery today still maintains the creative and fun environment of its roots. I’m very proud to be associated with it.”
Kate Robinson is piecing together the history of the nursery and would be pleased to hear from anyone who has recollections about its early days. She can be contacted at [email protected].