Stratford-upon-Avon was a major contrast to all the other cities we had visited over the course of the trip. Obviously, it was much smaller and quieter than London, but even the smaller places, like Bath and Oxford, felt much more like London than they did Stratford. In fact, out of all the cities we’ve visited, this one felt the most like home. Most of the buildings weren’t very tall, it didn’t feel much of a tourist destination, and everything seemed to be a bit slower. Most stores closed at seven or eight, with midnight being the absolute latest, whereas in London I could visit Tesco any time of day I wanted. The weather was also much warmer there, with it being sunny and warm the whole time. Despite all this, there was still much to see.
Stratford-upon-Avon was the birthplace and residence of William Shakespeare himself, and much of the town still revolves around him. We visited four different locations relevant to him. The church where he was baptized and buried, and house that he was born and grew up in, the gardens that replaced the larger house he bought later and life, and the family house where his wife, Anne Hathaway, was born. It was so fascinating visiting all these places. William Shakespeare is undoubtedly not just one of the most famous writers or playwrights of all time, but one of the most famous human beings to ever live. He and those around him couldn’t have known how far his fame would reach so far after his death, and so it’s a miracle this stuff is preserved as well as it is. In fact, the idea that one of Shakespeare’s homes could just be torn down seems preposterous to us nowadays, but it’s a reminder that he was still a human being, like the rest of us.
Shakespeare was not the only thing that Stratford-upon-Avon had to offer. It also had a cat café, though it was named Shakespaw. I spent an afternoon there enjoying the company of the cats, but it reminded me of how much I missed my own, but I knew that I would see them soon.
This is because Stratford-upon-Avon was the last place that we visited on our trip. In fact, I am currently writing this in the airport waiting for my flight, reflecting on the trip. It feels very bittersweet, and I don’t know if I’m fully ready to return. I have enjoyed my time over here so much. I loved getting to see so much theatre in such a short time span, and all the historical locations were wonderful. There was also just so much to do, a month was nowhere near enough time to begin to see all London had to offer, and I already want to return. I also had a wonderful time hanging out with all my fellow travelers, I think that it was a great group, and I am sad to have it split.
One thing I’m going to miss most of all is the weather. I loved the cool, rainy weather of London. It was almost miraculous to be able to walk outside in the summer and not be soaked in sweat and mosquitos. At the same time though, I am so ready to be able to relax in a calm place and not have to deal with football fans screaming at three in the morning.
I am so glad that I chose to go on this trip. I feel like I have learned so much, not only about theatre and another culture, but about myself too. This has been Theatre in London, thank you for reading my blogs, and goodbye.
-Jack Duncan
Theatre in London U of A 