Can you hear the echoes of applause? Can you envision a stage bustling with actors? Right here, at the Fortune Theatre Plaque, we stand on hallowed ground. The Fortune Theatre Plaque marks the spot where the Fortune Playhouse once proudly stood. It was a vibrant hub of Elizabethan entertainment, a rival to the famous Globe Theatre. The Fortune Playhouse, built in 1600 just outside London’s city walls, was the brainchild of Philip Henslowe and Edward Alleyn. They sought to create a venue that would outshine even the Globe.
The Fortune Playhouse wasn’t just any theatre. It was uniquely square, unlike the circular Globe, and its timbers, unlike the painted Globe, were left bare. The construction contract, remarkably preserved, provides a detailed glimpse into the theatre’s design. Imagine a three-story structure, eighty feet across, with twelve-foot-high galleries on the first floor, slightly shorter ones on the second, and even shorter ones on the third. Each gallery stretched twelve feet deep, providing ample space for the eager audiences. The stage itself was a vast platform, forty-three feet wide, covered with tiles. It was here that the Admiral’s Men, a prominent acting troupe of the time, captivated audiences with their performances.
The Fortune Playhouse quickly became a popular destination. It attracted not only theatregoers but also the attention of ambassadors and dignitaries. However, its journey was not without trials. The theatre faced opposition from neighbors and city officials. Henslowe and Alleyn, with the support of their patron Charles Howard, the Lord Admiral, eventually secured permission from the Privy Council. They even appeased their neighbors by making generous charitable donations. Despite its initial success, the Fortune’s reputation gradually declined. It became associated with rowdy crowds and even hosted the notorious Mary Frith, who performed songs and played the lute on its stage.
Disaster struck in 1621 when a fire engulfed the Fortune, reducing it to ashes. Undeterred, Alleyn, with the help of twelve investors, rebuilt the theatre in 1623. This time, it was constructed from brick, a fireproofing measure, and its shape changed from square to round. The Fortune Playhouse reopened, but its reputation never fully recovered. It continued to host performances until 1642 when the Puritans closed all theatres. The once-magnificent playhouse fell into disrepair, eventually being demolished in 1661. What remains now is this plaque, a quiet testament to the laughter, drama, and vibrant life that once filled this space. The Fortune Theatre Plaque is more than just a marker; it’s a portal to a fascinating era of theatrical history.