Archaeologists believe that they have unearthed the original Globe Theatre in the London borough of Shoreditch.

Built in 1576, the remains of the theatre are thought to be among the earliest in Britain. Twenty-five years after the original Globe was built it was relocated, timber by timber to a site on the South Bank. In the 1990s the Globe was reconstructed on the south side of the Thames and has played host to all manner of high-profile Shakespearean productions ever since.

Before the Globe was relocated, Shakespeare’s theatre company, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, performed at the original playhouse. Historians believe that the original stage played host to the premieres of Romeo and Juliet and Henry V.

Constructed by James Burbage in the 16th century, experts contend that the remains of the original theatre imply that the structure was made from stone taken from an old priory.

Now owned by The Tower Theatre Company, plans are underway to open a new playhouse on the site in 2012. Ms Tuerk, a spokesperson from Tower, said that when it opens “London theatre will have come back to its roots”.

Source: Nathan Brooker / www.show-and-stay.co.uk

The portrait is believed to have been painted in 1610

A portrait of William Shakespeare thought to be the only picture made of the playwright during his lifetime has been unveiled in London.

It is believed the artwork dates back to 1610, six years before Shakespeare’s death at the age of 52.

The newly-authenticated picture was inherited by art restorer Alec Cobbe.

The portrait will go on show at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon from 23 April, the author’s birthday.

The painting has been in the Cobbe family for centuries, through its maritial link to Shakespeare’s only literary patron, Henry Wriothesley, the 3rd Earl of Southampton.

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