Globe Theatre London
The Globe Theatre on the South Bank of the Thames in London is a faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original Globe Theatre (the Bard was a shareholder), which used to stand in this area of the capital.
Advertisement for plays at The Globe in summer 2023
History
The original Globe was built in 1599 and destroyed in a fire in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII. It was subsequently rebuilt with a tiled roof to protect it from further blazes.
The exterior of the theatre
The inspiration behind The Globe theatre you see today is the American actor and director Sam Wanamaker who spent 25 years fund-raising and planning the project. Unfortunately, Wanamaker died three years before the new Globe was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997.
Besides the performances of Shakespeare and other dramatists, the Globe is actively involved in Shakespearean research and education.
The theatre is also involved in Shakespearean research
Guided Tours
Guided tours of The Globe take visitors not only to the main theatre but also to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. There is also a tour of Southwark which explores the history of Bankside’s theatre district.
Tours attract families, groups, and schools. The tours are in English but information sheets are also available in several languages.
The theatre includes a shop and the Swan bar and restaurant.
Curtain call after a performance of As You Like It, summer 2023
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Next door is the indoor 340-capacity Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. It is an authentic replica of the candlelit theatres of Shakespeare’s day, in particular, Blackfriars Playhouse that Shakespeare’s theatre company used from 1609. One hundred beeswax candles light the space to create a unique atmosphere. The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse opened in 2014.
Other attractions in London not far from The Globe Theatre include Westminster Abbey across the river, Big Ben, or also farther afield Buckingham Palace.
A recreation of the ornate Elizabethan stage
Access – Getting There
www.shakespearesglobe.com
21 New Globe Walk
Bankside
London
SE1 9DT
Tel: 020 7902 1400
The Globe is close to London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee Lines) and across Southwark Bridge from Cannon Street Station, St Paul’s (Central Line), Bank (Central, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines, Docklands Light Railway), Mansion House (District and Circle lines) and Monument Station (District and Circle lines). The Tate Modern is very close as is The Shard.
The original Globe dated from 1599
Gallery
A view of the groundlings who have to stand throughout
The intimate nature of the theater means that the actors can easily engage with the audience
A scene from As You Like It
The painted stage canopy
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