A Very Theatrical Revolution

Dominic Dromgoole, artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe, goes in search of Shakespeare's indoor playhouse, the immensely influential but now little-known Blackfriars Theatre. He uncovers the history of the playhouse, which opened in 1609 in the teeth of opposition from local residents who feared that it would damage the reputation of the area. Dominic meets experts, directors, designers and actors to recreate what it would have been like to perform or to be in the audience at the Blackfriars, and examines the influence that the theatre has had on all subsequent drama in this country.