Stratford's very own Monopoly board is launched today

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON’S unique version of Monopoly was launched today at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Local charities, businesses, civic dignitaries, The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the Stratford Herald all attended this morning’s launch which had a guest appearance from Mr Monopoly himself.

The internationally acclaimed board game which is now 81 years-old has a new edition which will further herald Stratford as a truly global town.

And this week Herald readers can enter a competition to win one of 10 boards we have to give away.

The Mayor of Stratford Cllr Juliet Short told the Herald at today’s launch that she had spoken with a visitor from Brisbane, Australia who had just purchased her copy of the new Monopoly which means the board game is already doing its bit to promote the town.

Stratford Monopoly features famous landmarks from around the town including the RST (West End), Holy Trinity Church (Old Kent Road), Shakespeare’s Birthplace, (Mayfair) and even the Stratford Herald – which led the campaign to secure Stratford’s nomination for the Monopoly board game - has its own place name to replicate Fleet Street on the original.

Catherine Mallyon executive director for the RSC said at this morning’s launch: “We are delighted to be on the board and it’s great to have so many partners especially in this historic year which commemorates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s life but I’ve also noticed we’re situated right next to Go To Jail!”

Stratford Monopoly is on sale at WH Smith, Waterstones, The Works and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust properties.

See this week's Herald to find out how you could win one of 10 free games!

Full story and pictures in next week’s Herald.