Royal Shakespeare Company

RSC Offers Master Classes in Mixology

Many theaters offer master classes in acting. The Royal Shakespeare Company, however, is offering master classes this summer that might have more everyday application for most people: Making cocktails.

The RSC is hosting a brand-new series of special cocktail master classes at its bar, based in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. People can learn more about how to mix the perfect drink and the history behind cocktail making at the theatre's Rooftop Restaurant bar. The 45-minute sessions run every Friday until 28 August.

The master classes follow on from the RSC's creation of Shakespearean-inspired cocktails, which celebrate the shows the Company performs. Past offerings include the Bloody Tamora, based on Shakespeare's gory and tragic Titus Andronicus, as well as the Kiss Me Kate cocktail, which focused on Katherina, from Shakespeare's play The Taming of the Shrew. The RSC has also crafted special cocktails for new work, and recently came up with the Optimist's Cocktail based on the Mark Ravenhill's Candide, which was inspired by French philosopher Voltaire's iconic story.

“Over the past year, our bar staff has shaken and stirred just over 10,500 cocktails," Sara Aspley, RSC's director of commercial services said in a press release. "They have mixed everything from a Cosmopolitan to a Pina Colada and have also come up with their own offerings to complement our shows, from a dark and bloody Titus Andronicus-inspired cocktail to a syrupy romantic Valentine's Day offering. We hope these master classes will inspire people to get creative and have a go at the magic of cocktail making.”

June 23, 2015

If you have Shakespearean news to share, e-mail editorial@shakespeareances.com