A cultural heritage project to breathe new life into Britain’s oldest working theatre, and the last with links to Shakespeare, is set to be discussed for approval.
Archaeologists have made a landmark discovery at St George’s Guildhall in King’s Lynn, which is now believed to be the earliest known theatrical stage in the UK. It dates back to the 1740s and was built out of the medieval floor structure from circa 1419.
Experts now believe this extraordinary find at the National Trust-owned site could be a stage made of the very boards used by Shakespeare’s company. The Guildhall is believed to have been their alternative to London’s Globe during the plague closures of 1592/3, making it a site of international cultural significance.
Being described as a ‘once-in-a-generation discovery’ by King’s Lynn and West Norfolk council, ongoing architectural work has unveiled centuries of hidden theatre history. There is now layered evidence of multiple stage layouts, spanning early medieval, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian and modern periods – all under one roof.
The Guildhall has hosted performances since at least 1445. Royals, playwrights, and performers – including Elizabeth I’s company and Georgian actors – have all graced its boards. The Guildhall site was closed to the public earlier this year to allow the removal of the existing theatre above the medieval floor and more archaeology work to take place. However, the Guildhall has now reopened to the public to enable the project team to share these discoveries with the public until 31 July 2025. It will then be covered over ‘to enable its future preservation and safety’ according to the council.
An emotional experience
St George’s Guildhall creative director Tim FitzHigham says: “This is the largest known 15th-century timber first floor in the country. We have stripped away centuries of additions and, for a limited time, people can walk into this building and see the stage that may have hosted Shakespeare himself.
“The oral history of Shakespeare performing here was known to the Georgians, and they raised these specific boards up for some significant reason. It is an emotional, spine-tingling experience.
“Having got a clear picture of the theatrical layout in the venue from 1766 onwards, we are now working hard to understand the even earlier phases of theatre and use.
“There is no other working theatre in the country that has these earlier phases, so the work we are doing is critical to our understanding of theatre.”
National Trust archeologist Angus Wainwright said: “The detailed research in the archives and of the building itself has revolutionised our understanding of the history of this magnificent and internationally important building.
“The fact that traces of 600 years of theatre in the centre of King’s Lynn survive is particularly amazing,” he added.
Deputy council leader and councillor Simon Ring said: “The vision is for St George’s Guildhall to become an international visitor attraction and a space for the community, with the business case focussed on new jobs, improved facilities, training and education activities, enhancement to green space, new office and substantial uplifts in visitor footfall to the town and wider region.
“We already have £8.1m of Government Town Deal investment agreed, with a further £2m being sought, and we’re actively in discussions around securing additional significant external funding, which, if successful, will reduce the amount the council ultimately needs to commit.”
“I see this as a golden opportunity to restore the historic and theatrical assets of this unique space, while helping to grow local businesses, revitalise the town centre, and enhance the leisure and cultural offer in the historic heart of King’s Lynn.
More details on St. Georges Guildhall can be found on the official project website.
