And for one of the biggest regeneration projects in King's Lynn's history, it is hoped the bard's spectre looming over the Guildhall Theatre will be the key to realising their hopes of revitalising an entire town.

The medieval complex, where the playwright is said to have once performed, is about to undergo a £30.5m revamp which aims to secure the future of Britain's oldest working theatre.

Simon Ring surveys the stage at the Guildhall Theatre (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Simon Ring, deputy leader of the council and one of the architects of the project, believes this "once in a lifetime" opportunity will put his hometown on the map.

The project has been thrust into the spotlight after numerous discoveries, including the original medieval stage and dressing room doorways, which may have once hosted Shakespeare.

Inside the riverside restaurant, which has views across the Great Ouse river (Image: Owen Sennitt)

But the scheme has so far been marred by uncertainty over funding, with West Norfolk Council recently agreeing to borrow £15.8m to cover the costs - a move critics fear could leave a "legacy of debt".

However, Mr Ring, who is infectiously optimistic about the project, has little doubt it will become a success.

Looking towards the Guildhall Theatre from the riverside courtyard (Image: Owen Sennitt)

"Whereas the Globe Theatre in London is a........

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