The Rose Theatre

Borough and Bankside

The fifth purpose-built theatre in London, the Rose was built in 1587 by shrewd businessman Philip Henslowe. It was also the first theatre on Bankside, an area already rich in leisure attractions including brothels, gaming dens, and bull and bear baiting arenas.

Little is known about the theatre's history before 1592, when Henslowe's stepdaughter, Joan Woodward, married the great Elizabethan actor Edward Alleyn whose fortunes became linked to those of the Rose.

The Rose's success soon encouraged other theatres to be built on Bankside: the Swan in 1595 and the Globe in 1599. But compared to these new rivals the Rose rapidly came to seem small and old-fashioned. By 1606 it had been abandoned as a theatre and soon it vanished altogether.

In 1989 its remains were discovered and partially excavated. With the backing of celebrities including Richard Briers and Sir Ian McKellen, the Rose Theatre Trust is campaigning to reawaken public interest in the site, and raise funds for its full excavation.

Sir Ian McKellen (above) has written of his excitement that the Rose Theatre is one of the candidates for a blue plaque. He says in his letter:

"I am delighted that the Rose Theatre, historically the most important theatre site in London, has been short-listed by Southwark Council for a blue plaque.

I well remember the excitement felt internationally by academics, theatregoers and actors like myself who appreciated at last seeing evidence of the first flowering of English drama over four hundred years ago. The remains of the building where Shakespeare and Marlowe learnt their craft deserve a plaque more than any other I can think of!"

What our voters think

"The Rose Theatre is the only virtually intact Elizabethan theatre site we are ever likely to find, and so is a priceless national treasure. It certainly deserves to be marked by a blue plaque."  Mike Lewtas

"It is extraordinary that a world heritage site like the Rose lies behind an anonymous door in a modern office building. The blue plaque would enhance the Rose trustees' campaign to re-open the site." Giles Semper