We were on holiday on the Cotswolds, and had tried to get tickets to see The Christmas Truce, which was one of the plays being performed at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, but had not managed to get any, despite trying weeks before our holiday began. We decided to queue on the day, so arrived around 4 o clock. We were very fortunate to be able to buy some "returned" tickets! Our tickets were for the upper circle, so we climbed up the stairs. I noticed lots of exhibits of interest displayed, costumes, photos, a stuffed bear etc, all adding interest The theatre had been vastly changed since I'd last visited as a child. The stage came out into the audience, and the actors were great how they involved the children in the audience, whilst we waited for the performance to begin. We so enjoyed the play, the set was simple but very clever. I was stunned at the battle scene, it all seemed so realistic, you really felt a part, as the bangs of granades shook your seat, and the flash of the strike blinded your eyes. Even the trees appeared to fall as they were hit. In the interval we went to the bar for a drink. There was not the usual feeling of push and shove, and queues of people, the theatre had a bar for each seating level, so it all felt very civilised. The play was brilliantly executed, and was so professional, we were so glad we'd persevered and got tickets. A very special production. The theatre is in a beautiful location right on the banks of the River Avon, so if you visit the theatre, make time for a walk down the river to see the swans, riverboats, and the world go by!
