Curtain Theatre, Elizabethan theatre in Shoreditch, now Hackney, London
Curtain Theatre was a playhouse in Shoreditch that opened in the 1570s as one of London's earliest purpose-built theatres. The building no longer stands, but the site remains protected as a scheduled monument and is marked by informational plaques and archaeological remains.
The playhouse opened in 1577 and became one of London's earliest theatres, hosting performances before the Globe Theatre opened. It was demolished in the 1600s and the site was built over until archaeologists uncovered its remains in the 2000s.
The site is located in Shoreditch and is best visited on foot, as the exact location is marked on the pavement. Visitors should expect a small outdoor area with limited facilities and no formal admission requirements.
The venue served multiple theatre companies and functioned as a training ground for early performers before eventually closing. Archaeological excavations have revealed portions of the original structure and artifacts that shed light on how theatres operated during Shakespeare's era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
