Shakespeare stage Norfolk theatre is 'exciting project' - architect

The architect helping restore a theatre that includes a stage performed on by William Shakespeare said it was one of his "most exciting" projects.

Richard Griffiths will be working on the St George's Guildhall theatre in King's Lynn, Norfolk.

Last month 15th Century floorboards Shakespeare appeared on were found.

He said: "It's one of the most fascinating buildings we've worked on in our career because of that layering of history."

Although he has worked on many building, Mr Griffiths said the historical background made it "fascinating".

He said: "The challenge is going to be understanding the history and showing it off the best as we can, while reconciling that with the new use which is a continuation of public use, community use and particularly theatre use."

However, another challenge the theatre currently faced was making sure it was accessible, with the complexities of installing a lift while maintaining "visitor experience".

He said: "One of the possibilities is to put galleries back again which existed in the Georgian theatre... and therefore make an experience which might be closer to the Elizabethan experience of looking at theatre in a courtyard inn"

The stretch of 15th Century floorboards were found under the existing auditorium.

Jonathan Clark was an archaeologist in the theatre when the boards were recovered.

He said: "It's not just where Shakespeare stood, its where Shakespeare might have been performing and performing his own plays."

Mr Griffiths hoped the floorboards would be on show for people to see.

"The hope is that we can expose more of the original floorboards in the entrance where they have been hidden under later surfaces," he said.

St George's Guildhall is the oldest working theatre in the UK, dating back to 1445.

During recent renovations, timber floorboards were found under the existing auditorium, and they have been dated back to the 15th Century.

The theatre claims documents show that Shakespeare acted at the venue in 1592 or 1593.

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