The Guildhall Theatre has an unparalleled history of dramatic performance. History of drama is not continuous, with plays, minstrels and players being subject to the whims of the monarch, local lords or government. However, through all these phases of drama, the Guildhall has been there as a host. From our earliest days in 1406 with minstrels, feasting, players and playing companies through Elizabethan drama and Shakespeare, the closure of theatre by the roundheads after the civil war, restoration drama, Georgian playhouse, Victorian scenery making, 20th century famous performers and now right up to the current day. The Guildhall Theatre is the only theatre still working that can credibly claim to have hosted William Shakespeare and Shakespeare’s comedian Robert Armin was born one street away from the theatre.
The main theatre is currently closed while it undergoes a major renovation, led by the Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. You can find out more here. However, you can still visit 29 King’s Street (Shakespeare House) to discover our history and learn about our exciting project to restore the country’s oldest working theatre.
