Monopoly 'Bard' for Stratford-upon-Avon

To Pass GO or not to Pass GO?

That has been the question in up to TWENTY FIVE different West Midlands locations over the last few months.

And today that question was resoundly answered, as it was revealed that Stratford-upon-Avon has beaten 24 locations from Shrewsbury to Warwick and beyond to land its' very own official MONOPOLY board.

Or should we say MONOPOLY BARD!

The announcement takes place one month to the 400^th milestone legacy year of the world's greatest playwright's death.

And at 10am today it is scheduled to be officially made “behind bars" – in typical MONOPOLY fashion, bearing in mind its' iconic jail – at a location tipped to take one of the leading spots on the new board. The official announcement is to be inside Shakespeare's Birthplace, on the first floor where the historic windows are protected by metal bars. 

So VERY close was the vote in the end between Stratford-upon-Avon and Shrewsbury that the bosses nearly had to reach for their MONOPOLY dice. Just one per cent was in it between the top two in the poll.

Third in the public poll was Royal Leamington Spa followed by Gloucester and Warwick. Originally 25 locations in the western half of the Midlands were considered, before a final five were put to a public vote after being shortlisted by MONOPOLY chiefs.

“We very nearly had to reach for the MONOPOLY dice," said games executive Natasha Rebuck.

“In the end a big congratulations to Stratford-upon-Avon and commiserations to Shrewsbury in particular who ran them exceptionally close and also Royal Leamington, Gloucester and Warwick as well.

“A very big thank you to everyone who voted."

Going on to talk about the new board Ms Rebuck, who is Custom Games Executive at the board's makers Winning Moves UK,  added:

“Stratford-upon-Avon is on the world tourist map and has an abundance of great landmarks from all things Shakespeare like the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Ann Hathaway's Cottage and the new statue. Of course the town has lots of other splendours and delights from the Holy Trinity Church, the picturesque racecourse and the River Avon.

“So we expect to be absolutely sure we will be spoilt for choice!"

“The original London streets and landmarks like Mayfair and Park Lane will be handed over to Stratford-upon-Avon favourites. That's loved landmarks – also tourist attractions too. As everyone knows the town is very much on the world tourist map and magnet for visitors This will be reflected in the board. Also, one residential street will also get its very own square.

“MONOPOLY last year celebrated its 80^th anniversary. Next month Stratford celebrates its 400^th anniversary of the Shakespeare legacy. So it's a great match."

The brand new MONOPOLY: Stratford-upon-Avon Edition board is out in October.

From today Stratfordonians will be invited to nominate their favourite landmarks and favourites from the ancient town to replace the MONOPOLY famed streets like Mayfair and Park Lane.

So, for example, the leading Mayfair space could be Shakespeare's resting place.. birthplace.. or where his wife lived. The racecourse could perhaps appear on an apt 'Chance' square. The public will also be asked to suggest themed Chance and Community Chest playing cards. One could send players to Coventry – literally! Another could reward players with tickets to the theatre and in Stratford-upon-Avon boasts some of the best in the world.

The four trains stations will take on a 'travel' theme. That could see the River Avon appear on such a 'train/travel' square.

And playing pieces could include a QUILL in celebration of William Shakespeare.

“Absolutely everything is up for grabs," adds Ms Rebuck. “From the squares to the cards. It's a blank canvass at the moment, by October Stratford-upon-Avon will be immortalised forever in a board that pays tribute to its' very rich past, its' wonderful and vibrant present and its' prosperous future."

“We certainly expect to be wonderfully spoilt for choice. Stratford-upon-Avon is blessed with world renowned landmarks. The town itself is a tourist magnet and as well as the pride in the town there is goodwill almost everywhere. Votes came in from as far as Canada and Australia."

Votes came in for Stratford-upon-Avon – which has been described as “the world's greatest town" – from across the globe including the US and New Zealand.

The voting saw Stratford-upon-Avon command 37.2% of the vote ahead of: Shrewsbury 36.1%; Royal Leamington Spa 15.4%, Gloucester 6.0% and finally Warwick 5.3%.

And civic leaders and tourism bosses in the town have been lining up to hail the news.

Cllr Mike Gittus, Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, says: "What wonderful news that Stratford-Upon-Avon has been chosen to have its very own edition of Monopoly.

"So now we will be accompanying Las Vegas, London and Sydney in promoting ourselves as a truly international tourist destination worthy of inclusion in my families favourite game!

"Even more exciting is the fact that Stratford-upon-Avon will now have a say in helping choose the landmarks used in this very special edition.

“I am sure that Shakespeare will be hi-lighted in this 400th anniversary year, making this a 'must have' game."

THE VERY FIRST GAME TO ROLL OFF PRESSES SIGNED

And the makers of the new board are promising that the very first board to roll off the presses will be signed and presented for the very best MONOPOLY / Shakespeare funny suggestion.

The Great Bard was a MONOPOLY fan even though he died 319 years before the game was invented! That's because in Act 1 of King Lear he used the word.

This suggestion will ALSO be immortalised on a Chance or Community Chest card making the author very famous (if not AS famous as the Great Bard).

And here's a few with credit and apology to the author's works (!) to hopefully inspire the public:

• MONOPOLY be the board game of love – play on! (Twelfth Night).

• To buy Old Kent Road or not to buy Old Kent Road? That is the question.  (Hamlet).

• The slings and arrows of outrageous MONOPOLY fortune ! (Hamlet).

• All the world's a stage, and all the men and women are MONOPOLY players! (As You Like It).

• As You Play It (As You Like It).

VOTING DETAILS:

Votes to stratford@winningmoves.co.uk or via the official Stratford-upon-Avon Monopoly Facebook page at www.facebook.com/stratforduponavonmonopoly  or by traditional post to MONOPOLY STRATFORD-UPON-AVON EDITION, Winning Moves UK, 7 Praed Street, London W2 1NP. 

Polls are now open and close at midnight on 30^th April (2016).

The board will be released and appear on shop shelves later this year in time for Christmas (2016).