The Rose Theatre
The Rose Theatre
4.5
About
The Discovery of the Rose.The Rose, Bankside was first rediscovered by Museum of London archaeologists in 1989 during construction of a new office block.The discovery, the first of a rare Elizabethan playhouse, excited huge local, national and international interest and thousands of people visited the archaeological excavation. It provided unique information about the appearance of a playhouse and how plays were staged. A powerful campaign ensured that the structural remains were preserved by reburial and the site was designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by the government to protect it for the future. The Rose Theatre TrustThe Trust was established in 1989 to preserve the Rose and make it accessible to the public. The Trust is working with Southwark Council, English Heritage, the Museum of London, Helm Architecture and many others to develop The Rose Revealed project and realise its aims.Since 1999 the Rose Theatre Trust has encouraged public access to the site of the Rose by a temporary exhibition, programmes of open days and events, readings and performances relevant to the theatrical heritage of the site and short films presenting the history of the Rose and the plays of Marlowe. These activities have been well received and well attended and show that the public’s interest and support for access to the Rose remains as strong as it was after the first discovery. The Rose Revealed Project Will preserve, display and interpret the Rose Theatre and feature an archaeological investigation of the so far unexplored eastern third of the playhouse. The Project will fulfil the widely-supported objectives of the campaign begun in 1989 by:exploring more of the remains archaeologically installing a long-term conservation system for the monumentimproving public access to the Rose creating the on-site Visitor and Learning Centrerestoring the Rose to its original use as a place of entertainment. Rose open days - Come and join us! To encourage public access to the site, The Rose Theatre Trust has created a temporary exhibition showing a short film, presenting the history of The Rose and its important theatrical heritage narrated by Sir Ian McKellen.The Rose Open Days are a vitally important part of keeping the site alive and encourage generous donations as admission is free. They are also important for raising awareness of the site and The Rose Revealed Project. Visitors from all walks of life and from all over the leave The Rose filled with enthusiasm and inspiration.
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Neighborhood: Southwark
Even before the arrival of the instantly iconic Shard, the riverside scene in Southwark had moved well beyond any up-and-coming phase of development. For quite some time, locals and out-of-towners alike have loved browsing the boutiques of Bermondsey High Street, foraging through the bounteous stalls at centuries old foodie haven Borough Market, and flocking to the banks of the Thames to enjoy some of Britain's biggest attractions such as Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe. Despite Southwark's many popular draws, instant calm can be achieved easily by turning down almost any side street. For more urban buzz, a quick stroll across famed bridges like the pedestrianized Millennium Bridge or the ever photogenic Tower Bridge yields access to the very core of Central London. And with London Bridge Station as this neighborhood's main transportation hub, getting across town (or to anywhere in England for that matter) is a relative breeze.
How to get there
- Mansion House • 7 min walk
- Cannon St • 7 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
50 reviews
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4
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0
Wessexgirl
New Forest National Park Hampshire, UK114 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
Read about it at the globe then chanced upon it while exploring bear gardens through chalk mark directions. ( will the council ever get around to proper ones!)
It worked though as we found it and felt very privileged to see such a site at the early stages of what is hoped will be a fantastic attraction.
Very enthusiastic lady archaeologist explained all about the discovery of one of the oldest theatres in London and how it was currently preserved under water under an office block which we were standing in looking at the pool. As it's preserved under water and stuff we can only see the markers and the description of what's underneath, but the plans sound amazing and I for one can't wail to be able to come stand where Shakespeare stood and see where it all began
It worked though as we found it and felt very privileged to see such a site at the early stages of what is hoped will be a fantastic attraction.
Very enthusiastic lady archaeologist explained all about the discovery of one of the oldest theatres in London and how it was currently preserved under water under an office block which we were standing in looking at the pool. As it's preserved under water and stuff we can only see the markers and the description of what's underneath, but the plans sound amazing and I for one can't wail to be able to come stand where Shakespeare stood and see where it all began
Written March 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sprosser
Melbourne, Australia77 contributions
Amazed at the preciousness lying under the appalling building. Disgusted at seeing where things are at with the Arts when a piece of not only national heritage but world heritage is left to crumble if not disappear. In a city gripped by Olympics fever which will have spent millions but leaves a treasure of this sort to extinguish is a disgrace. The Globe was recreated thanks to the benevolence of actor, Sam Wannamaker. Why does it take private individuals to save British heritage, the government is very happy to use it to promote London. It is a moral obligation for British Heritage to pull out all stops to save The Rose. The volunteer staff there are doing a great job and deserve OBE for what they are doing!
Written July 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chloeemily0
Barnard Castle, UK45 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
great visit here last month, came across it by mistake on way to Globe and what a little gem, the girls were amazing, enthusiastic and very informative, showed us where they are trying to excavate the Rose and also how a play was read, lots of other information and a great film at the end, all for free although we did leave a donation as it was an amazing hour, tip if you have been here you could feel cheated when you go to the Globe at £17 each as it is nowhere near as good and the tour guide there was useless and just repeated most of what we heard free here yes you do see inside the globe but no worth the money, keep up the good work and we hope to return
Written March 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rio725
Gastonia, NC190 contributions
Oct 2016
I came across this theatre (an excavation site) after visiting Shakespeare's Globe. It was the first Elizabethan Theatre built. I had a roughly 45 minute chat with the lady fighting to get funds to excavate this place. The site is currently being protected in water until more funds are brought around. Her goal is to rebuild it (like the Globe) to it's glory. I pray it happens. This little theatre also performs plays in a small up close and personal area. Lovely spot for theatre lovers to visit. It's open on Saturdays.
Written October 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin B
Crawley, UK72 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
Being interested in Shakespeare we visited the Rose which is just a short walk from the Globe and well worth seeing. We were greeted by an enthusiastic lady whom kindly showed us in and gave us an informative presentation combined with two short films, both of which were enjoyable. The remains of the theatre (underneath an ugly office block) are currently covered for preservation purposes however you can see the outline in illumination and it's such a quiet, dark space that it is easy to conjure up the past. Astonishingly the Rose is struggling to get the necessary funds to turn the space into the tourist spot that it should be for the world to see so it's worth supporting by putting something extra into the donation box on top of the small entrance fee of just £3. We were delighted by the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers.
Written September 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eve M
Tomball, TX48 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
If you love Shakespeare and plan to visit London, don't miss the performance of Measure for Measure at the Rose! We found this unique historic site tucked away as we went to see the grand productions at the Globe, a few blocks away. This play, in contrast, was minimalist in production effects but had excellent actors who brought the language and moral dilemmas of the play into clear focus in a compelling way. The staging made creative use of the space and my husband, who is not the Shakespeare fan I am, enjoyed this play the most of the 3 we saw in London. I have to say I did too! Loved the fact that the language of the play was the priority, and although it was adapted for length, I felt it was very true to the spirit of the play. The small, intimate space allowed for actors to interact with the audience. For only £12., a great value and an interesting historical site. Bravo! (But do dress warmly as there is no heat. The performance will keep your interest so you won't notice,)
Written May 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SallyH186338
London, UK28 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
Forget about the West End this is theatre at its very best and at £12 unbelievable value for money. A truly awesome space steeped in theatrical history made into an edgy modern stage. We saw a stripped back production of Measure for Measure with a small but hugely talented cast whose presentation shot straight to the complicated emotional and moral heart of the play.
The stage is over and around the flooded archaeological remains of The Rose Theatre and the ghosts of past thesps are clearly looking down benevolently at this perfect use of their space. The proximity of all that water and lack of heating means it can get a bit chilly but just take a cardigan (or the staff will kindly supply blankets) and sit back and enjoy the ride. At the end of the performance cast and crew will let you stay to examine the theatre remains in more detail and share their knowledge and passion for this amazing place.
The stage is over and around the flooded archaeological remains of The Rose Theatre and the ghosts of past thesps are clearly looking down benevolently at this perfect use of their space. The proximity of all that water and lack of heating means it can get a bit chilly but just take a cardigan (or the staff will kindly supply blankets) and sit back and enjoy the ride. At the end of the performance cast and crew will let you stay to examine the theatre remains in more detail and share their knowledge and passion for this amazing place.
Written May 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Missileer99
Nevada Iowa, United States120 contributions
Apr 2016
If you are in London go to the Rose playhouse sight. They have found and are preserving the remains of the original Rose theater. They are also putting on intimate plays on its current stage.Go and see it and help bring back this piece of history
Written May 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert C
London, UK163 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
The stage is next to the remains of the original Rose Theatre, so can only sit about 40 people, but the standard of acting is first class, you are so close to the actors and reasonably priced at £12 a ticket.
Although due to the size and financial restrictions, there are no toilets on site.
Although due to the size and financial restrictions, there are no toilets on site.
Written July 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giles B
London, UK162 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
To see another production of Shakespeare's 'King Lear' in a small dark space does not sound attractive, but then (though longstanding Londers) we'd never discovered this elusive theatre before. Inland from its younger brother, the refabricated Globe, this theatre's foundations stand where the Thames used to reach rathre than on reclaimed bankside. The entrance is obscure, the staff delightfulkly dilettante. No toilets so no interval. Wine just red or whire, available cheap as you wait to enter. And then you're seated (only 50 or so of you) on the viewing platform of the Rose overlooking the great calm lake that conserves the wooden foundations - a longship of dramatic voyagers to be revealed next year. The plot and action unfurled remarkably engagingly from the start, with the eminent John McEnery offering lessons in how it should be done and how the words should be spoken, Great support from the rest of the cast: a world-weary Goneril, a malicious Regan, a Marcel Marceau of a Fool, a glorious Gloucester family - with Edmund and Edgar both maximising their range and opportunities to deceive and mislead. And all the time the red lights of the old structure of the theatre where Marlowe was first prerformed, glint at you to the corners of your eyes, and the battle and storm raged on the symbolically far shores. Phew. What a memorable evening. Get there before it's restored to a 250 seater auditorium in 2016.... thanks to Lottery largesse!
Written May 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DarrenMo
Telford, United Kingdom
Is there currently construction work taking place at this hotel? August 2015. Is one of the two pools closed?
Written November 24, 2015
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