Theatre Royal, Windsor

The Theatre Royal, Windsor is located in the town of Windsor, Berkshire, England, directly across the road from Windsor Castle.

The present building was opened on 17 December 1910 after the previous theatre had burned down on 18 February 1908, under the ownership of Sir William Shipley.

With the coming of talking pictures, the theatre was turned into a cinema in 1929. Beginning in 1931 John Counsell (1905-1987) made several attempts to return the theatre to its roots, and by 1938 managed to form what became arguably England's best known repertory theatre with a standing company of actors, becoming a great success when members of the nearby Royal Family, when in residence at Windsor Castle, decided to attend. He and his actress wife Mary Kerridge worked ceaselessly for this theatre, which remained unsubsidized, until his retirement in 1986, the year before his death. The theatre became known as a tryout date for productions heading for the West End, and also started many a future star's career.

Sir Peter Hall staged his first professional play at the theatre in 1953, the same year that he graduated from Cambridge University.

In 1997, the West End impresario Bill Kenwright took over the management of the theatre.

Famous quotes containing the word theatre:

    As in a theatre the eyes of men,
    After a well-graced actor leaves the stage,
    Are idly bent on him that enters next,
    Thinking his prattle to be tedious,
    Even so, or with much more contempt, men’s eyes
    Did scowl on gentle Richard.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)