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LATEST NEWS - Summer Exhibition...The Art of Theatrical Wardrobe   ON NOW

This summer we have an additional attraction in the Heritage Centre. Our Summer Exhibition is now on and runs until 16 October 2010. We have worked closely with the wonderful archives at the RSC in Stratford to put together an exhibition of costumes from the much acclaimed production of Hamlet, starring Patrick Stewart and David Tennant. The exhibition showcases the talents of the craftspeople who work in the RSC workshops and will give you a back stage tour of costume and 'How do they do that?'. We also have a handling collection, where everything you see may not be quite what it seems! Later in the summer we will have the wardrobe mistress who made these outstanding costumes on hand to answer questions (selected dates only - come back to this site for more information).

ENTRY TO THE EXHIBITION IS INCLUDED IN THE NORMAL ADDMISION PRICE

Out of the Hat is the town's the Tourist Information Centre with two upper floors packed to the rafters with modern interpretation, games and interactive elements.

Our friendly staff can help you with information on other tourist attractions, travel plans (bus and train timetables), local restaurants and accomodation. We will happily book your accomodation for you too.

The Heritage Centre is ideal for families, children, educational visits, groups and all those interested in history, architecture and restoration.

The first floor is dedicated to the life and times of Bartholomew Read. Bartholomew was a glove maker in 17th century Tewkesbury, and a man proud of his home and town. Using hand held portable media players (incorporating both video and audio guides) you will learn about Tewkesbury through Bartholomew's eyes.

You can also play a range of games are on this floor too. Mix and match the tradespeople of the town and get dressed up in period costume; work out which tools Bartholomew would have used in his trade or play our version of snakes and ladders - choose a cavalier or a roundhead and see who'll be the first to victory.

The second floor explores the history of Tewkesbury. Interpretation panels and exciting stories show how the town has evolved from Roman times to the present day. Enjoy our noisy battle panels and see how the infamous battle of Tewkesbury was won. Look for the video screens that depict a gruesome end for one unlucky person!

At Out of the Hat we think it's important for you to have fun, so with this in mind we'll encourage you to make your own coat of arms with our stamping machine, or dress up in our battle helmets. Not only have we adapted snakes and ladders but we also have our version of Top Trumps. Can your Longbowman beat the Peasant Farmer, or will your Knight get away from the Archer? You'll have to come along to find out!

We hope you enjoy your visit to us. Don't forget to check out our News and Events Page for the latest excting range of things to do at Out of the Hat.

Look at our gallery page to the left to see more images.