Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Not Just for Thespians, London England
If you are visiting London and love the works of Shakespeare, don’t walk run to Shakespeare’s Globe. Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, the open air theatre offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Globe Theatre London England
I went to see a show which was an amazing adventure (see below), but you can also take a guided tour. While the standard tour is great, the Premium Tour allows one to actually stand on the stage. Whichever kind you choice, you will learn about the Globe’s rich history of over 400 years.
The Theatre’s History
The original theatre from 1599 was built by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the company that William Shakespeare wrote for and part-owned. It has endured the plague, fire and political oppression. However in 1613, during a performance of Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, a prop canon accidentally set the globe on fire. Sadly, the theatre burned down. Thankfully no-one died. The second Globe operated successfully until it was closed down by parliamentary decree in 1642.
The Globe Theatre that we all know and love officially opened in 1997. Shakespeare’s Globe Trust founder, Sam Wanamaker worked for two decades on the theatre. He died in 1993. Then, in 1997 the Globe Theatre was opened by Her Majesty the Queen.
Attending a Show at the Globe
When I visited so many years ago, I was pretty young. I could only afford to purchase the general admission tickets which meant we stood during the entire performance. I was perfectly fine with that, because I was just happy to catch a performance of Much Ado About Nothing. My friend, who was traveling with me, was moaning and groaning about having to stand. People above were seated comfortably looking down on the show. However, soon we found out how incredibly special it was to be down on the floor with the rest of the crowd. This is how it was hundreds of years ago. The village people stood and watched, while royalty sat in seats above.
The show incorporates all types of choreography and action right in the crowd. Moreover, most of the performers entered and exited through the audience. It was fantastic. While feeling like you are part of the show may not be for everyone, I just loved it. In fact, I met a woman and her husband at the show who actually spent the money to sit upstairs but came down to experience the show from our perspective.
Take in a show while you are there. It is fantastic. Shakespeare’s Globe is located on the bank of the River Thames, London (UK), in the Bankside Cultural Quarter 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT; https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/
