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But as with any piece of art, first impressions are not always what they seem. Look beyond the obvious, pull back the curtains and you will find that Stratford offers a whole host of other entertainment for the visitor and local alike. But first to the theatres.
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has long been recognised as the world's leading classical theatre company. Catch one of its productions at one of the RSC Theatres and you will understand why. For the traditional epic Shakespearean masterpieces look to Royal Shakespeare Theatre, for those who want to be in the thick of the action the Swan Theatre with its central stage is best or for rarely performed or new plays go to The Other Place.
But if theatre is not your entertainment of choice (some would ask why come to Stratford-upon-Avon?!) why not look to art, cinema or music?
The Gallery at Stratford Leisure and Visitor Centre in Bridgefoot is a welcome recent addition to the local arts' scene. Set in a dedicated area of the Leisure and Visitor Centre, The Gallery features displays of contemporary arts and crafts. Each month a different kind of art is featured giving visitors the chance to discuss the work with its artist in residence. If it is local art that you are looking for then the Brian Tovey Gallery or the Stratford-upon-Avon Arts Society Annual Exhibition are amongst the places offering you the chance to admire and browse and tempting you to buy.
For films the Picture House in Windsor Street shows three or four of the latest film releases on a daily basis. Look out for special children's screenings at the 'Kid's Club' also.
On the music scene, as well as the traditional ad hoc gigs found in pubs and bars listen out for the musical excess of The English Music Festival, the rarefied melodies that float from the Stratford-upon-Avon International Flute Festival's unexpected venues, or for those who like it heavier—The Bulldog Bash.
Rainy days in Stratford-upon-Avon are an ideal time to check out the museums or those attractions under cover that capture the past. First time visitors will no doubt want to seek out Shakespeare's Birthplace in Henley Street and to take a look at the 'Shakespeare's World' exhibition. Cox's Yard allows you to experience Stratford-upon-Avon from mediaeval times up to the present day while The Teddy Bear Museum in Greenhill Street will transport you back to your childhood no matter how old you are!
Indeed if you take children to Stratford-upon-Avon you will find plenty to occupy them outside of the traditional historical and literary experience. What about the Shire Horse Centre one mile south of Stratford-upon-Avon with its four legged gentle giants, the tranquillity of the colourful Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm or, for the teeniest of visitors, The Ragdoll Shop in Chapel Street— home of the infamous children's favourite The Teletubbies!
Even if you do not come to Stratford-upon-Avon specifically for the theatre you will be hard pressed to avoid a visual spectacle at almost every turn. This town is indeed a stage—especially at certain times of the year—with the great outdoors, including the beautiful River Avon, the biggest stage of all.
Look out for The Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations around April 23rd filled with pageantry, pomp and colour. Or meander down to the river and watch those less faint-hearted than ourselves tackle the weir near Holy Trinity Church (worth a visit in itself) as they compete in the Stratford Regatta or the Charity Raft Race.
For something a little quieter why not head out of town to Mary Arden's House and the Shakespeare Countryside Museum in the beautiful village of Wilmcote? Or visit Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre to the north of Stratford-upon-Avon in Wootten Wawen or enjoy a day at Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse on the outskirts of the town. One thing is for sure whatever you do—like countless others before you—you will always come back to Stratford-upon-Avon!
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