The World's Best Shakespeare Company

If you'll ever enjoy Shakespeare, it'll be in Britain. The Royal Shakespeare Company, undoubtedly the best Shakespeare company on earth, performs year-round in Stratford-on-Avon and in London. If you're a Shakespeare fan, see if the RSC schedule fits into your itinerary in either location.

Stratford: In 2008, the mighty Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) will downsize, as its historic theater continues its multi-year renovation (estimated reopening date: 2010). Most performances will be in the new Courtyard Theatre, a testing ground for the lights, seats, and structure of the multi-million-dollar renovation of the main theater. (While you're in Stratford, you may also see ads for RSC productions scattered in other smaller theaters around town.)

Tickets range from £5 (standing) to £55. Plays are Mon–Sat at 19:30, but matinees vary. There are also sometimes performances on Sundays. Standing tickets are available the day of performance only at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. You'll probably need to buy your tickets ahead of time, although restricted-view and standing-room places are saved to be sold each morning in person at the box office (from 9:30, £5–16), and returned tickets can sometimes be picked up with cash the evening of an otherwise-sold-out show. If you're feeling bold, buy a £5 standing ticket and then slip into an open seat as the lights dim — if there's not something available right away, chances are there will be plenty of seats after intermission.

Before the show, theater-goers pack the adjoining restaurant, Quarto's, which overlooks the Avon but has mediocre food; you'll eat better at the eateries listed in Rick Steves' Great Britain.

London: The RSC performs at various theaters throughout the year. To get a schedule, contact the RSC in Stratford (see sidebar).