Hope Theatre

The Hope Theatre was a playhouse built in 1613–14 by Philip Henslowe and Jacob Meade on the Bankside in Southwark. It stood on the site of the old Beargarden, a place for bear-baiting and animal sports. Henslowe had held a financial interest in the Beargarden since 1594 before commissioning its replacement. The new building took over a year to complete, partly because the Globe Theatre was being rebuilt nearby at the same time. The Hope was designed as a dual-purpose facility, with a stage that could be removed to make room for animal baiting. The theatre opened in October 1614 with Ben Jonson’s *Bartholomew Fair* performed by Lady Elizabeth’s Men. Henslowe’s death in 1616 led to his son-in-law Edward Alleyn inheriting his share. Early on, plays were staged more often than animal sports, but actors grew dissatisfied with the arrangement. By 1619, they had moved to the Cockpit Theatre, and the Hope became mainly a venue for bear-baiting and other entertainments. The Hope’s stage followed the design of the Swan Theatre, with two external staircases and a roofed structure over the stage. Archaeological remains of the Hope and earlier bear gardens are now protected as a Scheduled monument. The site later became Bear Garden Square, but traces of its theatrical past remain beneath the ground. Ben Jonson’s description of the Hope as “as dirty as Smithfield” reflects its mixed use. The theatre’s history reflects the turbulent changes of the 17th century, from playhouse to baiting ring and back again.