Building    From 1577  To 1642

Curtain Theatre

Categories: Theatre

This, the second English purpose-built playhouse was erected very close to the first, The Theatre, and run by the same man, Burbage.  Not named for the modern drape on a proscenium arch, but for its proximity to Curtain Close, a place named itself after the nearby London Wall. Long plain sections of wall are still known to those in the know as "curtain walls".

Here, in this "wooden O", Shakespeare performed and Henry V was staged. Ceased operating somewhere between 1622 and the Civil War, 1642. In 2008, the Museum of London unearthed the footings of the Theatre and a new theatre is set to be built on the site.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Curtain Theatre

Commemorated ati

Curtain Theatre - Curtain Road

On this site stood The Curtain Theatre (1577 - 1599) William Shakespeare firs...

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Curtain Theatre - Hewett Street

Near this site stood The Curtain Theatre, 1577 - c.1627, second English publi...

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Other Subjects

Helen Carte

Helen Carte

Born Wigtown, Scotland as Susan Helen Couper Black. Later changed "Black" to "Lenoir", apparently the family's original name in 17th century France. Starting as secretary to Richard D'Oyly Carte s...

Person, Commerce, Music / songs, Theatre, Scotland

1 memorial
Salisbury Court Playhouse

Salisbury Court Playhouse

Built by Richard Gunnell and William Blagrove. The picture source website gives a lot of information.

Place, Theatre

1 memorial
Robert Harbin

Robert Harbin

Magician-inventor, origami pioneer. Born as Ned Williams in South Africa. Came to London aged 20. Credited with introducing origami to this country. Throughout the 1960s he had his own TV show 'Pap...

Person, Theatre, South Africa

1 memorial
Ann Oldfield

Ann Oldfield

Actress.  Possibly born in Pall Mall.  Worked a lot for the Drury Lane company.  Died at home in Grosvenor Street at 59 or 60, depending on source -  perhaps the street has been renumbered. 

Person, Theatre

1 memorial
Boris Karloff

Boris Karloff

Actor. Born as William Henry Pratt at the house with the plaque. His acting career began in the theatre in Canada, where he adopted his stage name. Arriving in Hollywood he appeared in dozens of si...

Person, Cinema, Seriously Famous, Theatre, TV & Radio, Canada, USA

1 memorial