Here’s looking at theatre in London

• Elizabeth I was known as a proud patron of British drama and literature and it was during her reign that the first permanent and public playhouse in London was built (in 1576). The playhouse was christened The Theatre and it stood on Curtain Road in Shoreditch. Shakespeare’s company of players performed regularly, although they soon moved to The Globe, which was built in 1599. The latter burned down on June 23, 1613, thanks to a rogue cannon used during a performance of Henry VIII

• In 1642, all theatres in London closed under orders of the Puritans, under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell. They believed that theatres attracted indecent crowds and distracted people from worshipping God. When Charles II was crowned King in 1660 he, like Elizabeth before him, encouraged the Arts and, in so doing, inspired the Restoration Comedy genre. The Theatre Drury Lane opened during this period (in 1660)

• Theatre first resembled what we know today in the mid 18th century, under the influence of actor David Garrick. His performance as Richard III is often touted as the first attempt at realism and he also abolished the popular practice of audience members paying extra to sit on the stage and irritate the actors. The Garrick Theatre is named after him

• The National Theatre (above) was built in 1976, entirely out of concrete. It was designed by Sir Denys Lasdun, Peter Softley and structural engineers Flint & Neill. Upcoming productions include Much Ado About Nothing and The Father and the Assassin