MONOPOLY bosses are on the hunt for a VIP to help launch Stratford’s own version of the game.
The Stratford Monopoly board – or Bard as it has been dubbed – will be launched at the Royal Shakespeare Company later this year.
And to celebrate, a Stratfordian is being given the chance to follow in the footsteps of some of Britain’s greatest ever actors and actresses – from Dame Judi Dench to David Tennant – who have taken centre stage at the RSC over the years.
The VIP, or Very Important Player, will have the chance to open and play the first board to roll off the production line as well as receiving a signed copy of the game.
Expected to feature all the town’s ‘great and good’ in the 400th anniversary year of William Shakespeare’s death, the town’s version is set to be on shelves as early as October.
“We are looking to get it out as fast as possible – October is extremely likely otherwise it will be very early in November,” said Natasha Rebuck from the board’s makers, Winning Moves UK.
“It is an advance sell-out and we have had interest from all over the world. We are sure it’s the ultimate celebration of Stratford past, present and future.
“Interest has come from tourists who have visited the town as well as ex-pats while in Stratford and Warwickshire there appears to be eager anticipation for the official board.
“We could have filled the squares 30 times over but in the end around 30 landmarks will take over the legendary London streets and addresses made famous on the original board.”
All the spots are being kept under wraps except one square – the Shakespeare Hospice, which topped a public poll for a charity to appear on the board.
And although the RSC is being tipped for a high profile spot, the final layout will only be revealed on launch day.
Catherine Mallyon, Executive Director of the RSC, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to host the official launch of the Stratford version of this iconic game.
“The edition depicting Shakespeare’s home town is an inspired idea, especially in 2016 when we have all been marking the 400th anniversary of his death.
“We hope people from around the world will take great pleasure in playing the game and it continues to help celebrate Shakespeare’s inspirational work and global influence.”
Those who want to be in with a chance of being VIP for the day, or wish to nominate someone, are asked to email [email protected] explaing why they should be the Stratford VIP.
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