Shakespeare’s Globe is a famous theatre in London where many of William Shakespeare’s plays were performed in the 16th and 17th centuries. The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599, but it burned down in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII. It was rebuilt in 1614, but demolished in 1644 by the Puritans. In 1997, a new Globe Theatre was opened near the site of the original one, based on historical evidence and research. It is a faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse, with an open-air stage and a circular auditorium that can seat up to 1,400 people.
If you want to visit Shakespeare’s Globe, you can buy tickets online or at the box office. The theatre is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can also take a guided tour of the theatre and the exhibition space, which tells the story of Shakespeare’s life and work, as well as the history of the Globe. The tours are available every day from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, and last about 40 minutes. The ticket prices vary depending on the season and the type of show or tour you choose.
To get to Shakespeare’s Globe, you can take public transport or walk along the Thames Path. The nearest tube stations are Blackfriars, Mansion House and London Bridge. The nearest train stations are Blackfriars and London Bridge. You can also take buses 45, 63, 100 or RV1 to Southwark Street or buses 11, 15, 17 or 381 to Blackfriars Bridge Road.
Here are some tips for visiting Shakespeare’s Globe:
- Check the weather forecast before you go, as the theatre is open-air and there is no roof over most of the seats. You may want to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen or raincoat depending on the weather.
- If you want to experience the theatre as the Elizabethans did, you can buy a ticket for the yard, which is the standing area in front of the stage. The tickets are cheaper than the seats, but you will have to stand for the whole show, which can last up to three hours. You will also be closer to the actors and more involved in the action.
- If you prefer to sit down, you can choose from three levels of galleries that surround the stage. The seats are wooden benches with cushions available for hire. You may want to bring your own cushion or blanket for extra comfort.
- There are no toilets or refreshments inside the theatre, so make sure you use the facilities and buy snacks or drinks before you enter. You can also bring your own food and drink, but no glass bottles or cans are allowed.
- There are no microphones or amplifiers in the theatre, so the actors rely on their natural voices and the acoustics of the space. You may want to sit closer to the stage if you have trouble hearing or understanding English.
- There are no curtains or scene changes in the theatre, so the actors use costumes, props and music to create different settings and moods. Pay attention to their gestures and expressions, as well as their words.
- There are some things that are prohibited in the theatre, such as smoking, chewing gum, using mobile phones or cameras, or making noise during the show. Please respect the actors and other audience members by following these rules.
Shakespeare’s Globe is a unique place to see some of the best plays ever written by one of the greatest playwrights of all time. You will be transported back to the time of Shakespeare and enjoy a memorable theatrical experience. Here are some of the shows that are currently playing or coming soon at Shakespeare’s Globe:
- Much Ado About Nothing: A witty comedy about love and deception, featuring Beatrice and Benedick, two sparring lovers who are tricked into confessing their feelings for each other.
- The Comedy of Errors: A hilarious farce about two sets of identical twins who are separated at birth and cause chaos when they meet again in Ephesus.
- Twelfth Night: A romantic comedy about mistaken identity, cross-dressing and unrequited love, featuring Viola who disguises herself as a boy and falls in love with Orsino who loves Olivia who loves Cesario who is actually Viola.
- Macbeth: A dark tragedy about ambition and murder, featuring Macbeth who kills King Duncan to become king himself but is haunted by guilt and paranoia.
