In the heart of Atlanta, amidst the rhythm of the big city and modern culture, there is a place that seems to be out of the timeline — Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse. Here, every evening begins with a phrase that resonates across the ages: "In the time of the great Queen..." This is not just a theater. It is a living portal to the Elizabethan era, where the spirit of Shakespeare comes alive not only in words but in every wooden balcony, in every lute chord, in every scent of hot pie before the performance.
The story of this extraordinary theater did not start with a grand opening. In 1984, a group of enthusiasts from Atlanta Shakespeare Company staged "As You Like It" in the modest Manuel’s Tavern. Perhaps at the time, it seemed like just a game. But behind this play was something more — a dream of a true theater that brings the audience back to the origins.
Years passed, and with each new production — from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to "Romeo and Juliet" — the company moved closer to its goal. And in 1990, the first real home appeared — Shakespeare Tavern on Peachtree Street. After a major reconstruction in 1999, it became the only theater in the USA with a balcony in the style of the Globe Theatre, which not only adorns the interior but also breathes life into the stage with a special energy of closeness to the audience.
The interior of the theater — like a true time capsule. Wooden beams, warm lighting, a three-tiered auditorium reminiscent of a cozy tavern. There is no complex stage with digital effects — everything needed for drama is here: live actors, live music, genuine emotions.
Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse operates according to the principles of "original practice" — meaning everything is as close as possible to how it was in Shakespeare’s time. Everything — from handcrafted costumes to improvised interactions with the audience — aims for a live, unique, here-and-now experience. The actors do not just perform for you — they perform with you.
The 2024–2025 theater season promises to be especially emotional. Already in February, an eternal tragedy — "Romeo and Juliet" — will take the stage, and in March, the theater will present the profound drama by Caryl Brown, "The African Company Presents Richard III," which opens a different, multifaceted perspective on the classic text.
Besides performances, the theater regularly organizes themed evenings, stage readings, Shakespeare marathons where the brightest scenes from plays can be seen, and more information about the historical context, linguistic features, and cultural palette of the era.
Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is also a school of art for future generations. Their program Shakespeare Intensive for Teens offers teenagers a chance not just to study Shakespeare but to live him on stage. Professional instructors, genuine performances, and an engaged audience make the training deep and transformative.
The theater also holds interactive master classes and lectures, revealing actor's secrets, studying the rhythm of Shakespeare’s language, showing how a classic monologue or duel scene works.
Another feature that sets Shakespeare Tavern apart from most theaters is its menu. Before the show, viewers can order English pie, hot soup, fresh bread, and even an apple dessert, which has become a real legend of the theater.
And all this in the atmosphere of an old pub, with real English beer or a glass of wine. Such a format — not just a convenience. It reflects the idea of the theater: to create an experience that immerses the viewer in all senses — dramatically, emotionally, and culinarily.
Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is not just a cultural gem of Atlanta; it is a living example of how classics can be relevant, interesting, tasty, and even fun. It is a place you want to return to. Where you do not just look at the stage but become part of it. Where every play is like a well-known ballad, sounding differently each time.
Looking for where to go in the evening in Atlanta? Try a theater where Shakespeare is not collecting dust on shelves but living on stage, in voices, in laughter and tears, in the aroma of pie and the sounds of the flute.
Current information:
Address: 499 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States
Phone: +1 (404)-874-5299
