PLANS to recreate Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre in York have been approved by City of York Council.

Europe’s first ever temporary Shakespearean theatre will be built on part of the car park next to Clifford’s Tower next summer, where four of Shakespeare’s plays will be performed.

The approval of the plans was announced yesterday, and James Cundall, CEO of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and founder of the project, said support for the plan had been clear.

He said: “We are delighted to have been given planning approval by City of York Council. We now look forward to Summer 2018 and showcasing Shakespearean theatre at its best in the heart of York, for locals and visitors alike. We will be sharing further details about our season next week.”

The temporary theatre will house an audience of almost a thousand people, with three tiered balconies and an open-roofed yard, based on the original designs of the Rose Theatre built in London in 1587.

City planners approved the project on Tuesday afternoon, following initial approval for the scheme earlier this summer.

The Shakespeare plays which will be performed in repertory over the 10-week season are Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo & Juliet and Richard III.

The season will begin on Monday, June 25, and run until Sunday, September 2, 2018.