Unique insight into Shakespearean theatres (July 1st 2012) Unique insight into Shakespearean theatres (July 1st 2012)

Chris Thomas the English Senior Consultant at Museum of London Archaeology and heads up the MetroMOLA regional service is leading an excavation of the former Shakespearian Curtain Theatre’s footings unearthed in East London. The Curtain Theatre is one of oldest theatre spaces in London, opening in 1577 and hosting two premieres of Shakespeare’s significant works – Romeo & Juliet and Henry V, until the opening of the Globe Theatre on the Bankside of the Thames. The Curtain was dismantled in the early 17th century, leaving its exact whereabouts unclear. Although the Curtain was known to be in the approximate area as it was named after the road it fronted. Thomas states “This is a fantastic site which gives us unique insight into early Shakespearean theatres. On other Tudor theatres we’ve found quantities of little pottery money boxes, which the punters put the price of admission into on the way in, which were then smashed at the back of the theatre to get the takings – I’m sure some from the Curtain are still there, just waiting for us to find them.” Excavation so far has located two sections of exterior wall which will be critical for determining the theatre’s dimensions.  As the location is further cleared for redevelopment, confidence is high that other artifacts will be revealed.

 

Inspired by The Guardian ow.ly/bJjQK image source MetroMOLA ow.ly/bJjMf