Curtain

• Theatre ID
  3237
• Built / Converted
  1577
• Dates of use
  • 1577 - 1578
• Current state
  Demolished
• Current use
  demolished (later used for prize fights)
• Address
  possibly corner of Hewett Street and Curtain Road, Hackney, London, EC2, England

Details

Like the neighbouring playhouse, the Theatre, the Curtain was located in the Liberty of Holywell, outside the City limits. One reference in a play text suggests that it was a polygonal open yard playhouse, like the Theatre, but it has also been proposed that it was the conversion of a large pre-existing, gabled house. The Curtain’s history is surrounded by uncertainty. What documentary evidence there is is sparse and inconclusive. It was said to be in decay in 1611, but it is also supposed to have become a prize fight arena after it ceased to be a theatre. One authority states that it was still standing as a building, possibly after conversion to tenements, as late as 1660. The site, if located with certainty, could possibly contain archaeological evidence.

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• Events
  • 1577 - 1578 Use:
  • 1577 Design/Construction:
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1581 Owner/Management: Henry Laneman, lessee
  • 1585 Owner/Management: Burbage & Brayne, tenants
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed