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Selected for its historical ties to the Bard himself, the cathedral hosted a number of representatives from the stage-show’s producer Disney with Sonia Freidman Productions. VIPs also in attendance included actors Sir Anthony Gormley and Tom Stoppard, as well as director Harvey Weinstein.
Guests were entertained by an acoustic ensemble of musicians who played a variety of Elizabethan music. The venue was floodlit for a dramatic atmosphere by lighting supplier Polar Bear Live and food was provided by caterer Elior.
Rose Harding, development director at Southwark Cathedral, said: "This was William Shakespeare’s parish Church, Bankside was party central in the Elizabethan period and hose and doublets were normal in these parts, along with bear-baiting and gambling.
"We were thrilled when the client chose Southwark Cathedral as the venue for the first night party for Shakespeare in Love. We’ve got William’s monument here and the memorial window depicting his plays, so it was a super fit for both the client and the venue."
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