\paperw3360 \margr0\margl0\ATXph16380 \plain \fs20 \pard\tx3255\tx6525\tx9780\ATXts240\ATXbrdr0 \f1 \fs22 This area, one of the most historic in London, was severely damaged by b
ombs in World War II. The ensuing wasteland gave 1960s planners the chance to devise a large residential, commercial and arts complex that took twenty years to build. As well as two theatres and a concert hall, the Barbican includes one of LondonÆs lar
gest art galleries, a convention and exhibition hall and a library. It also houses the \b \cf4 \ATXht12381000 Guildhall School of Music\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 .\par
The \b \cf4 \ATXht10641000 Royal Shakespeare Company\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 has its London base in t
he Barbican Centre. Although the company focuses on the \b \cf4 \ATXht10431000 Shakespeare\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 repertoire, it also puts on productions of some classic Greek tragedies, gems of the Restoration theatre and some exciting modern works. Apart f
rom the magnificent Barbican Theatre, the complex also offers smaller performances on the more intimate stage of The Pit.
