Royal Shakespeare Company’s Nursery celebrates 50th anniversary

It’s looked after the children of some of our biggest stage stars, and now the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Nursery – one of the very 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 of Stratford-upon-Avon, the nursery first opened as the Theatre Playgroup in 1963. It now welcomes local children aged six months to school age, as well as those of RSC staff and actors who are working in the town for a short time.

Kate Robinson (pictured above with her charges), who has managed the nursery since 2000, said: “I’m delighted to be part of such 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 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.”

As part of the 50th birthday celebrations Robinson is working to piece together the history of the nursery, from its early days as a playgroup in the 60s to modern day. Anyone with recollections to contribute should contact kate.robinson@rsc.org.uk