Performing Arts

Southwark’s long history of theatre started in the Bankside playhouses over 400 years ago. Shakespeare and Marlowe both had premieres of their plays in Southwark playhouses. Edward Alleyn, who founded Dulwich College, was a leading actor and theatre manager of the time. The theatres were closed by Parliament in 1642 and eventually demolished. Today Southwark’s theatrical heritage continues with four theatres and occasional performances at special venues.



SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE New Globe Walk SE1 020 7401 9919
London Bridge, Southwark  London Bridge 149 344 381 705 P11 RV1
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a replica of the original, built on a site 200m from the first Globe Theatre. Here you can watch a first class performance of a Shakespeare play in its original environment. You can stand up, or sit on one of the wooden seats (cushions are available!) and don’t forget that the theatre is open air! Visit the Globe exhibition to find out more about the theatre.
www.shakespeares-globe.org

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE 62 Southwark Bridge Road SE1 020 7620 3494
Borough, Cannon Street London Bridge, Cannon Street 21 35 40 133 149 344 P3 P11
Southwark Playhouse is a lively theatre with a diverse and exciting repertoire.
In addition to the theatre, the Playhouse also holds a variety of workshops and arts programmes. You can complete your evening out at the restaurant, or have a drink at the bar. Meal and show combinations are available.
www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

UNION THEATRE Union Street SE1 020 7261 9876
Borough, Cannon Street, Southwark  London Bridge, Cannon Street 21 35 40 133 149 344 P3 P11
The Union Theatre is a fringe theatre that stages a range of plays and musicals, from King Lear and Chekhov to works that are of interest to the local community. The theatre also works with local children aged 6-16 to put on their own performances.
www.uniontheatre.freeserve.co.uk

Check listings magazines for productions