Shakespeare's Rose: Roofless Elizabethan 'pop-up' theatre opens in York

Temporary venue erected in car park in just 28 days

The theatre will have seating for 660 people to watch from three levels around the edge on balconies around an open-air courtyard and standing space for those in the centre (Anthony Robling)

A roofless Elizabethan “pop-up” theatre has opened its doors to patrons in York.

Shakespeare’s Rose, which cost £3m, is Europe’s first temporary Shakespearean theatre.

The venue was erected in a car park in just 28 days with a circular design mirroring that built on the south bank of the Thames in William Shakespeare’s era.

"If Shakespeare popped into York today, he would totally recognise it. Although he would say where is my oak beam and what is that scaffolding," producer James Cundell told The Independent.

"The venue is a three-storey replica of a traditional Shakespearean theatre. Half of it is open to the elements."

He added: "What is so great is the

Panoramic of site (Anthony Robling)

The Elizabethan village in Castle Car Park, near Clifford's Tower, will be visited by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

Shakespeare’s Rose will host its summer performance - the Bard’s Macbeth – on Monday.

Award-winning garden designer Sally Tierney will unveil an Elizabethan Romeo & Juliet style garden, local band York Waits will showcase 16th century-inspired music, and a town crier will declare the theatre open.

The theatre will have seating for 660 people to watch on balconies around the edge of an open-air courtyard and standing space for around 300 in the centre.

It will showcase four of Mr Cundell’s plays – with a cast that comprises Alexander Vlahos, of TV series Versailles and Merlin, who will play Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, and Catesby in Richard III.