Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre remains are discovered by archaeologists in east London. The Museum of London Archaeology uncovered a yard and gallery walls of an Elizabethan theatre where some of great William Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.

The remains of the Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre were found in east London behind a pub in Shoreditch as a part of regeneration works. The venue was immortalised as ” this wooden O ” in the prologue to Henry V. British government hope the site could be opened to the public, with plays staged there in the future. Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology stumbled across parts of the playhouse’s yard and gallery walls after development began on the site last autumn. Lead archaeologist in London Chris Thomas commented : ” This is a fantastic site which gives us unique insight into early Shakespearean theatres. ”

Discovery of the millenium : Remains of Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre

The Curtain was operated by theatre manager James Burbage and was home to Shakespeare’s Company the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, from 1597 until The Globe which was opened two years later. The Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre was dismantled by Puritans in 1622 but twenty years later still could have remained in use until the outbreak of the Civil War. Plays thought to have premiered there include Henry V, Romeo and Juliet and Ben Jonson’s Every Man in His Humour. Amazing thing is that Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre remains were known in London’s area, but exact location was a big mystery.

 Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre located in Shoreditch, east London

There is still a lot left to learn about the Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre because of despite these last discoveries. However there is a hope that the theatre can be restored and plays can once again be shown there.

Royal Shakespeare Company artistic director Michael Boyd commented : ” I look forward to touching the mud and stone, if not wood, and feeling the presence of that space where Shakespeare’s early work, including the histories, made such a lasting impact. ”

[adrotate banner=”42″]