London Weekend Break

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Shakespeare's Globe is located on the Southbank of the river Thames and, although it was only openned in 1997, it is a reconstruction of one of the original Globe Theatres that was built over 350 years ago.

The present Shakespeare's Globe occupies a site just under 250 yards away from where the original theatre was sited. It owes much of its existence to the actor and director Sam Wanamaker who foundered a trust whose objective it was to reconstruct the original Globe Theatre. His vision took many years to see realisation and gained international attention and support. Today the building is a famous and distinctive landmark on the river Thames.

The old (original) Globe Theatre

Surprisingly, the origianl late sixteenth century Globe had a short lifespan that saw it burnt to ashes in 1613 and, although it was rebuilt the following year, by 1644 it had been closed down and demolished. This gave the first two Globe Theatres a combined residency of less than 50 years between them.

The end of the second Globe incarnation was instigated by the politically and socially extreme Puritans who used the 17th century version of political correctness to bring the theatre and its performances to a premature end.

A period of over 350 years separates the second Globe theatre from its third reincarnation.

The 1997 Shakespeare's Globe

The third Globe (i.e. the current one) is, are far as is historically possible, a rebuilding and reconstruction of the second Globe Theatre, i.e. the 1614 version. It seats just over 850 people with further audience space in the central “pit” area for up to 700 additional spectators.

The modern Globe was over 20 years in the planning and researching process and the original designs, uncovered by John Orrell, were overseen and directed by the architect Theo Crosby. All of the load bearing structural components are made from English Oak and even the roof is thatched in the same way that it would have been in the original building.

Not surprisingly the building has a distinctive external facade with an open interior that replicates the original construction. This sees a projecting platform stage within a circular “courtyard like” amphitheatre with three separate terraces of seating. In keeping with the original Globe Theatre, the stage and perimeter seating are covered whilst the other areas are left open. The seats themselves represent what would have been found in the original two Globes with timber benches and an absence of cushioning (although removable cushions can be rented for a performance).

For those wishing to see a Shakespearian performance in a theatre designed for his works, his plays are recreated during the summer months from May to October, however tours of the building operate all year long.

In order to maintain the 17th century realism of the performances, the Shakespeare's Globe theatre does not use electric amplification, spotlights, or any other technological performance enhancing equipment. This recreates the original “intimate” theatrical feel and takes the theatre goer back to Shakespeare's time.

Attached to the traditional theatre reconstruction there is a much more modern reception and visitors area that includes a restaurant, shop and other facilities.

Included on the Shakespeare's Globe site there is also a reconstruction of Blackfriars Theatre.