After a precarious wartime period, we found a base at Cardigan House Richmond Hill, under the auspices of the British Legion, and there created a theatre in the house’s concert room. During the 30’s and throughout the War the RSS began to establish a repertoire of indoor productions at a variety of local venues. More recently the venue has been the riverside Fountain Gardens at Champion’s Wharf, home to the notorious “naked ladies” statues and a stone’s throw from our theatre. Outdoor performances eventually moved to Marble Hill Park and later to the sunken garden at York House, Twickenham. Many years of open-air performances in this idyllic setting followed – usually, though not exclusively, Shakespeare. The Society’s first production was an indoor run of Much Ado About Nothing in October that year before our first open-air production in 1935 of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Richmond’s Terrace Gardens, as part of the Borough’s celebration of George V’s Silver Jubilee. The RSS was founded in 1934 by Gladys Eriksen, a former actress and dancer, for the purpose of mounting annual productions of Shakespeare’s plays in the open air. A programme of informal “Monday Night” performances of play-readings, poetry, and music in the theatre foyer runs throughout the year. We also run the RSS Young Actors Company which mounts a full showcase production in the theatre. In addition to mounting up to eight productions a year in the theatre (always including one Shakespeare) the RSS continues to produce Open Air Shakespeare each Summer. Whether you are looking to get involved in our productions or watch our shows, please get in touch. Experience is not essential – we will teach you all you need to know to become a valuable member of our team whatever area of expertise attracts you. We make sure to offer opportunities for everyone. Our Summer Show is an open-air production in the gardens of neighbouring York House. Our programme includes a vast array of plays from all eras, from Ancient Greece, Shakespeare to the modern day. The Richmond Shakespeare Society (Registered Charity No 276271) performs eight productions a year at The Mary Wallace Theatre, by the riverside in Twickenham.
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