Shakespeare in Haggerston

When Shakespeare first came to London he worked at “The Theatre”, the capital’s earliest purpose built playhouse. It was constructed by James Burbage in 1576 and almost certainly saw the premiere of Romeo and Juliet. Until recently the exact location was unknown, but a local charity has commissioned archaeologists from the Museum of London to examine the site and they have now discovered traces of the building under a warehouse in Shoreditch.

The charity now aims to bring London theatre back to its roots by transforming the warehouse into a twenty-first century theatre within which the remains of the original will be preserved. Until then they will be covered in order to protect them.

They are not aiming to reproduce an Elizabethan theatre, but to create a 21^st century equivalent of the original; a no-frills, full-time, hardworking place of entertainment that will be a versatile and accessible resource for Hackney and provide valuable rehearsal, performance and exhibition space for the smaller scale arts in central London.

Watch this space for further developments.

Licesning applications 20 February

Nisa, 343 Old Street

Application for a premises licence to allow supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises from 06:00 to 00:00 Mon to Weds, 06:00 to 03:00 Thurs, 06:00 to 04:00 Fri and Sat and 06:00 to 01:00 Sun.

Closing date for representations: 19/3/09

Licencing Applications w/c 6 February

Cantaloupe
35-42 Charlotte Road
London EC2A 3PD


Application to review a premises licence on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance made by the Council's Pollution Team.

Deadline for representations 5th March

Hackney Community College on the Small Screen

This morning I met with Ian Ashman, Principal of Hackney Community College to talk about how the college can be an even better neighbour to Haggerston residents. The college is another jewel in Haggerston's crown. Over 10,000 learners go through its gates every year.

They have recently invested the best part of £1 million on state of the art training kitchens and a restaurant that will be run by students and open to the public.

These new facilities and the motor vehicle workshop can be seen on the government's new advert for apprenticeships fronted by Hackney old boy Sir Alan Sugar.




Jonathan McShane