History of Theatre Royal Stratford East: 1953 - 1979

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They continued that first season and subsequent seasons presenting a mixed programme of great classics of the past, and modern plays with contemporary themes. Their aim was to revive and preserve all that is best in the theatrical traditions of Britain and Europe.

Financial support was a dire necessity. They survived from the takings of the Box Office (which were very meagre) and lived as a commune, sharing the tasks of running a theatre, with the addition of a duty roster for Chef of the Week.

In April 1953 Gerry Raffles wrote to the local Town Clerk suggesting:

"The Royal could become the Borough’s Civic Theatre,worthy of its place as the only theatre in the Borough"

The reply stated:

"The Finance Committee at their last meeting was unable to recommend any grant for the purposes you have in mind. However, the Committee indicated that they would be prepared to assist, where possible in the matter of publicity, providing this could be done without cost to the Committee."  Next page.

Success came not from the local Boroughs, nor indeed from England, but from the International Festival of Theatre in Paris. The Festival’s Director Claude Planson, who knew the company’s work, asked the company to represent England in the 1955 Paris event.

They scraped together the fares to get there, each member of the company with costumes in their suitcases and a piece of the scenery as hand luggage.  <     Next page>>