The oldest part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatres in Stratford is to be restored in a major project costing £4.8 million.
Scaffolding will be erected around the front of the Swan Theatre in January 2015 for the work to begin. The Grade II* listed Swan Wing and a new exhibition showcasing how the company makes its productions will open in 2016 to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Performances will continue in the Swan throughout.
The 1879 wing forms the entrance of the current Swan Theatre and was built as part of the original Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. The façade and interior will be restored.
Three exterior bas reliefs by Paul Kummer which depict stories from Shakespeare will be restored, as will the original stained glass windows which line the Swan Theatre staircase and illustrate the Seven Ages of Man from Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
The new exhibition will “celebrate the stories, creativity and moments of innovation” in the RSC’s past and present. There will be previously unseen items from the RSC’s archive and collection including costumes, set designs, props, photographs, paintings, drawings and audio and video recordings.
Geraldine Collinge, the RSC’s director of events and exhibitions, said, “the Swan Wing project will allow us to conserve and restore elements of this beautiful Stratford landmark which has been a feature of the town since the 1870s.
“Many of the original elements have been hidden over time and we want to bring these back for the local community and visitors to enjoy.
“We know that people of all ages relish the chance to discover how we make our productions. Our new exhibition will allow them to do this. It will be a fun and exciting way to find out how theatre has been made in Shakespeare’s home town over the centuries.”
The RSC also plans to re-open The Other Place studio theatre in 2016. The company has submitted an Arts Council lottery application and designs are being finalised.