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Shakespeare’s ‘The Curtain’ uncovered

Summary

8 June 2012

Archaeologists in London say they've discovered the remains of an old Elizabethan theatre in which some of Shakespeare's early plays were seen. 'The Curtain' was probably only the second purpose-built theatre in England. 

Reporter:

Vincent Dowd

Report

‘The Curtain’ theatre opened in 1577, a year after 'The Theatre' nearby. Most experts reckon that was the first dedicated theatre-building in England – earlier performances had been in tavern-yards or at court. 

The approximate location of The Curtain was already known, but now experts at the Museum of London say they've identified remarkably intact elements of walling and the yard where poorer theatre-goers stood. The developers who own the site say they plan to incorporate the theatre's remains into their project. 

The best-known Shakespearean theatre in London is the Globe - although that's a modern reconstruction, a short distance from the original site.