Real Estate

Shakespearean theater ‘reborn’ as luxury London apartment building

All the world’s a stage, this high-rise most certainly included. 

Across the pond, the original Curtain Theatre has been redeveloped into a new 37-story apartment tower aptly called the Stage, set to formally open next year. 

“London’s most exciting new residential address is now complete: The Stage is the [$925.8 million] transformation of William Shakespeare’s original Curtain Theatre into a new destination to live, work and play,” announce press materials for the 412-unit development by Galliard Homes. 

Located at the site of the historic venue, the property now boasts amenities Shakespearean-era theatergoers could have never dreamed of. On the 32nd floor, there’s a “luxury sky terrace” and beneath the building are 13,700 square feet of entertainment, including an underground arcade for gaming. 

There are also dual screening rooms, which residents can book for private film nights, and a 12-seat boardroom and gym. 

The Curtain’s remains. MOLA
The underground arcade. Grant Frazer
The tower rises above the area. Grant Frazer
Inside one of the units. Grant Frazer

As well, the preserved archaeological remains of the theater sit adjacent to the tower. 

In its prime, the Curtain would host up to 1,400 attendees and performances of plays including “Henry V” and “Romeo and Juliet,” additionally serving as a space to eat, drink and socialize. 

In addition to the landmark and the homes, the development also includes two new office buildings with 257,000 square feet of commercial space and 60,000 square feet for retail and restaurants, as well as a performing arts pavilion. 

A unit’s bedroom. Grant Frazer
There is a lounge on the 32nd floor. Grant Frazer
Residents will have access to various amenities and outdoor space. Grant Frazer
In all, the development includes 412 apartments. Grant Frazer

In addition to the residential units, next year will also see the ribbon cutting for a new Museum of Shakespeare on the grounds. 

Although not yet officially open, the building has already had over half of the units forward-sold, and the first residents are moved in.

Highlights of the apartments themselves include mood lighting in the bedrooms, a multi-room speaker system and bespoke steel-framed media console in each living room.