The UK's oldest theater may have had a privacy barrier used by a renowned playwright.

An ancient doorway, possibly utilized by renowned playwright William Shakespeare, was unearthed in the United Kingdom's oldest operational theater.

A discovery was made in St. George's Guildhall in King's Lynn, Norfolk, during conservation efforts. The discovery was made by the Guildhall's creative director, Tim FitzHigham, who noticed a "weird shape in the wall," according to a news release from the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk on August 21, 2024.

Upon further investigation, the boards were removed to reveal an archway.

According to the news release, FitzHigham stated that the hall's medieval roof must be pre-1405 because it is held up above it.

The Guild Robing Room, where the highest level of Guild members dressed in their finery before feasting upstairs, was found to be accessible through the arch, as discovered through further exploratory work.

"Another astonishing discovery at the Guildhall was revealed by FitzHigham, who stated that they found a door that was most likely present during the time when Shakespeare is believed to have performed there. This door is likely to have led to a room where the actors changed and stored their props."

He added, "It's astonishing how a small suspicion or odd shape on the wall has led to something truly remarkable."

In 2020, researchers unearthed boards beneath the flooring of St. George's Guildhall, dating back to the early 15th century, which could have been walked upon by Shakespeare.

According to the Guildhall Trust, the first recorded performance at the Guildhall took place in January 1445 with a nativity play.

Through the late 1500s, the Queen's Men, a renowned acting company in London established in 1583, frequently performed at the venue.

According to the news release, Shakespeare's association with the Guildhall began in 1592 or 1593 while he and his company of actors were on tour in King's Lynn. The theaters in London were closed due to a plague outbreak.

According to Biography.com, Shakespeare joined Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men, shortly after.

Johnathan Clarke, an archaeologist, posits that the archway lacked a door and instead offered privacy to actors through a hanging.

According to Clarke, the 15th century doorway likely led to a small, low-status room and did not originally have a door closing it off. It may have been made private with a hanging when necessary, as stated in the news release.

The Guildhall's traveling groups of players might change in a private room located within the Guildhall. This room would provide them with a private space to put things, change, and then travel up the staircase to appear on the first floor in their costumes.