Kitsch Stratford
Writing yesterday about Holy Trinity Church has brought on a bout of homesickness. I’ve been living on a Mediterranean island for the past 18 months, and I’m beginning to miss the Shakespearian kitsch of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Everything is Shakespeare related: the local toy shop is called Much Ado About Toys, the best breakfasts are served at the Food of Love Café, and the local bar on Waterside is called Shakespearience.
Beyond that, there are endless Shakespeare nick-knacks that you can pick up all over the town from T-shirts to quills. And then there’s the occasional glimpse of people dressed up in Shakespearian costume – locals have become so used to it they rarely bat an eyelid.
The thing that never ceased to amuse me was Warwickshire authorities' own use of Shakespearian kitsch. In the UK, we have a scheme called “Pub Watch”, whereby if you cause trouble in one pub, you’re then barred from all pubs in the town. Stratford-upon-Avon re-branded the scheme to … wait for it … “Bard Watch.” Genius!
I know that some people feel uncomfortable about Stratford’s commercialization of Shakespeare’s name, but I think it’s just harmless fun and shows a quirkier side to one of the UK’s most beautiful towns.
Have you visited Stratford-upon-Avon and chuckled at the Shakespearian kitsch? If so, please share your experience with us on About.com.
Photo © Peter Scholey / Getty Images
Comments
Several years ago, the Anglican church ceased to be the national church of England. As such it no longer receives government support so now they are in the same boat as those of us who have to support our own churches. Since each little estate had its own parish church, I would suggest that there are many churches which are about to become redundant as our fellow Anglicans call it. If some other group wants to adopt Shakespeare’s church for its historical significance, they should do so. However, to ask that a denomination which is already having to adjust to new economic realities should spend more money, when the local parishioners don’t care, is to rob Peter to pay Paul. Besides, if I recall correctly, William Shakespeare didn’t really spend enough time in Avon, as an adult, to worship at the church very often.
Ever come across a set of cards with one sonnet on each card? I would think this would be a natural, but the best one I’ve found is by Pomegranate Communications, Inc. and are called Shakespeare’s Sonnets Knowledge Cards, but there are only 48. They are nicely done, but I would like a set with all of them.
Wonderful place – but then again I’m so lucky to live there. The Park has been restored in a very lovely way this year.