History of the Theaters in London
- Inside the Globe Theatre
Originally called Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, this facility opened in 1599 in Southwark. It burned down in 1613 and was eventually reconstructed in the 20th century very close to the original site. This new Globe Theatre was completed in 1997 and is made of oak, brick and thatch, the first thatched roof allowed in London in 300 years because of strict building codes. The center of the theater is open air, so plays are only produced there from May through October.
Certain traditions continue: Some plays are all-male as in Shakespeare's time, and crowds still heckle the performers as they did back then. - Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Four different buildings have boasted this prestigious name over the years. The first was opened in 1663 during the reign of King Charles II, whose mistress, Nell Gwynne, was an actress there. - Theatre Royal Haymarket
Also called the Haymarket Theatre, this theater was founded in 1720. It was built by John Potter, a carpenter. In 1873, matinees and morning performances, new concepts in theater, were introduced here. In 1893, Oscar Wilde premiered his first comedy, "A Woman of No Importance," at this theater. - Inside Covent Garden Royal Opera House
Three different buildings have been called the Royal Opera House. The current one opened in 1728. It was designed in the Neoclassical style by E.M. Barry and contains elements salvaged from the previous building that burned down. - The National Theatre
This theater, designed by Denys Lasdun in 1976, is located in South Bank, next to Waterloo Bridge. Queen Elizabeth II added the term "Royal" in 1988. There are actually three theaters along the Thames River here that run plays simultaneously: the Olivier (named for the late Lord Laurence Olivier), the Lyttleton and the Cottesloe.
