Britain's What's On Event Guide
Talk: The Dream Factory - Chelsea History Festival
In 1576, in a muddy field in Shoreditch, James Burbage erected London’s first purpose-built commercial playhouse. A place of high culture and quick profit, run by cunning dreamers, the theatre for the first time offered London’s players the chance to control what they staged.
At a time when playgoing was held to be close to a sin, this entertainment factory was a flashpoint for controversy; but would also become Shakespeare’s first theatre, where he learned to ply his trade before his company moved to the Globe.
Through the life of this little-known playhouse, Daniel Swift tells the story of how Shakespeare became Shakespeare, and the Elizabethan stage began to flourish.
At a time when playgoing was held to be close to a sin, this entertainment factory was a flashpoint for controversy; but would also become Shakespeare’s first theatre, where he learned to ply his trade before his company moved to the Globe.
Through the life of this little-known playhouse, Daniel Swift tells the story of how Shakespeare became Shakespeare, and the Elizabethan stage began to flourish.
Friday 26 Sep 25
Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4SR
Friday 26th September 5pm - 6pmLocation: State Apartments, Royal Hospital Chelsea
Tickets: £12
Organised by
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Spread the word
Similar Current Events
The Royal Hospital Chelsea Lecture Series - The House of War
Wednesday 28 January Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Wednesday 28 January Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Royal Hospital Chelsea Lecture Series - The Battle of the Tennis Court
Wednesday 25 February Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Wednesday 25 February Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
The Royal Hospital Chelsea Lecture Series - The Confrontation
Wednesday 25 March Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Wednesday 25 March Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Chelsea Flower Show 2026
Tue 19 May to Saturday 23 May 26 Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
Tue 19 May to Saturday 23 May 26 Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Rd London
The Royal Hospital Chelsea Wellington Hall Museum Tour
Wed 4 Feb to Sunday 8 March Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road
Wed 4 Feb to Sunday 8 March Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road