Theatre boss amazed to show off Shakespeare stage

A theatre director was "amazed" to show people a stage where William Shakespeare may have once performed.

The historical flooring was unveiled at St George's Guildhall in King's Lynn, Norfolk, on Tuesday after it was discovered in 2023.

Chicken bones and smashed bottles of wine discarded by audiences of the past were also found during renovations of the 600-year-old venue.

Creative director Tim FitzHigham said: "The information this contains is rewriting the textbooks about Guild history, theatre history and what we know about early social history."

Guests have been invited to view the historical flooring, perhaps once trodden by the Bard himself, until 31 July.

Documents showed Shakespeare acted at the venue in 1592 or 1593, according to the theatre.

A doorway that may have led to the playwright's dressing room was also discovered at the King Street location in 2024.

Only about 1m (3.2ft) of the stage could initially be exposed, but work meant the rest could be on display from May.

"You can see how vast it is, how massive it is," Mr FitzHigham said.

"We've found all sorts of stuff that tells us so much about theatre audiences coming here to watch shows in the last 600 years.

"These are the very boards on which we think Shakespeare's company performed, so it's just incredible to see and be around."

The £20m renovation of the Guildhall is being led by West Norfolk Council, which hoped it would create jobs and low-cost tickets for shows.

It was expected to fully reopen in January 2027.

Mr FitzHigham added: "We're putting a theatre back in a way that will flex its past, finally.

"When you open the doors you have no idea who's going to turn up, but it's amazing that an incredible enthusiasm has spread to people."

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