Globe Theatre | London

The Globe Theatre is one of the most iconic landmarks associated with the life and works of William Shakespeare. Located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, the Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, which was built in 1599 and where many of Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. The modern Globe is an important cultural site, offering a unique way to experience Shakespeare’s works in a historically accurate setting.

History of the Globe Theatre

The Original Globe Theatre

Construction and Opening: The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by a group of actors, including Shakespeare himself, who were part of the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later known as the King’s Men after King James I became their patron). The theatre was built on the Bankside area, which was already known for its taverns, inns, and other entertainment venues.

• The original Globe Theatre was a timber-framed building with a thatched roof and an open-air structure. It had a circular or polygonal shape, with a stage that jutted out into the audience, allowing for an immersive performance experience. The audience stood in the pit (also called the yard) and watched the performances for a low price, while wealthier patrons could sit in the galleries surrounding the stage.

Performances and Shakespeare’s Involvement: Shakespeare’s plays were performed at the Globe Theatre, and it became synonymous with his works. Famous plays like "Romeo and Juliet", "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "A Midsummer Night’s Dream", and "Julius Caesar" were all staged here. The Globe was an important part of London’s theatrical life during the Elizabethan and early Jacobean periods.

Destruction and Rebuilding: In 1613, a cannon shot fired during a performance of "Henry VIII" set the roof of the Globe Theatre on fire, and the building was destroyed. It was rebuilt the following year, only to be torn down permanently in 1644 by the Puritans, who banned theatre and closed all playhouses in London.

Modern Globe Theatre

The Reconstruction: The modern Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was established by American actor and director Sam Wanamaker in the late 20th century. Wanamaker had a vision to recreate the Globe Theatre as an authentic Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare’s plays could be performed in a manner that closely resembled their original productions.

• In 1997, the modern Globe Theatre was officially opened to the public, and it was built just a short distance from the original site. The reconstruction was based on historical research and design, using traditional materials and construction techniques.

Construction Features: The modern Globe is an open-air theatre with a thatched roof, resembling the original structure. It can hold approximately 1,500 people, with standing room in the pit and seating in the galleries. The stage extends into the audience, just as it did in Shakespeare’s time, allowing for a more immersive and intimate experience. The theatre has no artificial lighting, relying on natural daylight for performances, which enhances the authenticity of the experience.

The Globe Today

A Living Theatre: The modern Globe Theatre is a vibrant cultural venue that hosts a variety of performances, with a particular focus on the works of Shakespeare. It offers an authentic Elizabethan theatre experience, with performances that stay true to the traditions of the period, such as the use of live music, period costumes, and minimal sets. Productions of both Shakespeare’s plays and contemporary works are staged here, often with a creative twist to engage modern audiences.

• The theatre’s open-air design allows for performances in the summer months, but during the colder months, the theatre adapts, and productions continue in the indoor space known as Shakespeare’s Globe Studio.

Educational Programs: The Globe is also a hub for educational programs, including workshops, lectures, and seminars on Shakespeare and Elizabethan theatre. The Globe Education department runs a variety of initiatives, from acting and playwriting workshops to school visits and courses for adults. The theatre is dedicated to making Shakespeare’s works accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Globe Exhibition: The Globe Theatre Exhibition is a museum located next to the modern Globe Theatre. It explores the history of the original Globe Theatre, its role in Shakespearean theatre, and the culture of Elizabethan England. The exhibition features original costumes, props, and interactive displays, allowing visitors to learn about the context in which Shakespeare’s plays were written and performed. It also includes exhibits about the reconstruction of the modern theatre, showcasing the detailed research and historical accuracy involved in the project.

Shakespeare’s Globe Productions

The theatre is renowned for its innovative productions of Shakespeare’s plays, as well as other works from the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods. The performances at the Globe are known for their energy, accessibility, and strong connection with the audience. Some of the key aspects of the theatre’s productions include:

Authentic Staging: The productions at the Globe Theatre are designed to be as close as possible to the original productions that would have been performed in Shakespeare’s time. This includes the use of period costumes, props, and lighting. There are also no microphones, so the actors rely on their voices and the acoustics of the theatre to project to the audience.

Inclusive and Engaging Performances: The Globe Theatre aims to make Shakespeare’s works engaging and accessible to modern audiences. The theatre often incorporates diverse casting and contemporary themes, which allows the plays to resonate with a wide range of viewers. The interactive and immersive nature of the space encourages audience participation, and some performances are designed to make the audience feel as though they are part of the play.

Globe to Globe Festival: The Globe Theatre hosts the Globe to Globe Festival, an international event that celebrates Shakespeare’s works performed in different languages and styles from around the world. This festival highlights the global reach and continued relevance of Shakespeare’s plays, showcasing international theatre companies and diverse interpretations of his works.

Visiting the Globe Theatre

Tours and Performances: Visitors to the Globe Theatre can enjoy both guided tours and live performances. The guided tours provide a detailed history of the theatre, the plays performed there, and the construction of the modern Globe. Tours often include visits to the stage, the audience areas, and the exhibition space.

• During the performance season, visitors can attend productions of Shakespeare’s plays and other related works. The Globe Theatre often runs summer seasons, with a range of plays performed under the open sky, as well as indoor performances in the colder months.

Tickets: Tickets for performances vary depending on the show, seating, and time of year. There are affordable options for standing in the pit (which is often the cheapest option), as well as seating in the galleries for a more comfortable experience. The Globe also offers special deals and discounts for certain productions and times.

Accessibility: The Globe Theatre strives to be inclusive and accessible, offering a range of services for visitors with disabilities. There are wheelchair-accessible spaces, and the theatre offers captioned performances for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Audio description services are also available for some performances, providing an additional layer of accessibility.

Conclusion

The Globe Theatre is much more than just a theatre; it is a cultural treasure that brings Shakespeare’s works to life in an authentic, immersive setting. With its rich history, commitment to educational programming, and innovative productions, the Globe continues to be a major center for Shakespearean theatre, drawing audiences from around the world. Whether you’re a long-time Shakespeare fan or a newcomer to his works, a visit to the Globe Theatre offers a unique opportunity to experience his plays as they were meant to be performed — in a vibrant, open-air Elizabethan theatre, where the audience is just as much a part of the performance as the actors themselves.