The Chiswick Book Festival is back at Hogarth’s House for the 2025 season!
Before the Globe, Shakespeare learned to ply his trade in a little-known playhouse built in a muddy field in Shoreditch. In The Dream Factory, Daniel Swift uncovers the untold history of London’s first purpose-built commercial playhouse – a hotbed of controversy at a time when theatregoing was held to be a sin. He tells the story of a place of high culture and quick profit, where the Elizabethan stage began to flourish, and where Shakespeare became Shakespeare. Chaired by Torin Douglas.
Supported by The Small Library Company bookshop.
Daniel Swift teaches at the New College of the Humanities. His first book, Bomber County, was longlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize and the Guardian First Book award, and his essays and reviews have appeared in the New York Times, the New Statesman, and Harper’s.
Hogarth’s House and Mulberry Garden will be open for ticket holders from 6pm
TICKETING QUERIES: Please contact boxoffice@chiswickbookfestival.net
REFUNDS: Refunds are only issued if the event itself is cancelled.
CHILDREN: Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adults, each with their own ticket.
CARER SEAT POLICY: Carers are entitled to a free ticket when accompanying an attendee. Please note that not all of our venues are easy to access – see our Venues page for details. Contact the Box Office for information and carer assistance: boxoffice@chiswickbookfestival.net
