London Flights - London's Sights - Shakespeare's Globe Theater

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

The original Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is ancient history as it was torn down in 1644 after being closed by the Puritans two years earlier. Of course, the theatre didn’t die that easily and now there is a reproduction almost exactly where the original once stood. The theatre is the product of passion and hard work on the part of an American actor named Sam Wanamaker and others. The Globe Theatre now offers Shakespeare’s plays during the summer months, as well as guided tours of the beautiful facility. Unfortunately, the heart and sole of the theatre, Sam Wanamaker, died right after ground was broken to begin building the reproduction of the Globe Theater.

Reproducing History

No detail was overlooked when recreating Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. It hasn’t been easy to recreate the interior of the theatre because there are no known drawings of the interior of the building in existence. Luckily, the knowledge of many have allowed builders to take drawing from 1596 and build what they think is a reasonable recreation of what the original may have been. Of course, some steps have been taken to modernize the building as well as make it safer for those performing Shakespeare’s fine works and those in attendance. Overhead sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and an emergency evacuation plan are all in plain site, but other than that the theatre is a step back in time for guests.

Shakespeare’s Theatre had been forgotten by many until its location was rediscovered in the late 1980s under Anchor Terrace on Southwark Bridge Road. Of course, new restrictions and legal issues did not allow the Globe Theatre to be resurrected right where it had originally sat, but it is very close. In fact, it sits just a couple hundred meters from the original site today.

Experiencing Shakespeare at The Globe Theatre

Even if you cannot make a show, you might find that a tour will satisfy your need to experience such a place. Stepping onto the 40 foot wide by 30 foot deep stage will be something to remember. Those that take a tour will see special effects that were pulled off with the use of trap doors and open space under the stage. Just stepping onto the stage and imagining how the first Shakespeare play was acted out will leave your head spinning, no doubt.

To commemorate your visit, you can stop by the gift store and pick up photos, cards, plays, and recordings for yourself or people in your life that would appreciate something right from the Shakespeare source!

Purchasing Tickets

Those that purchase tickets can choose from being a groundling or an aristocrat. Groundlings were the theatre goers that sat or stood near the front, as these were the cheaper seats. The aristocrats or those that had the financial means, sat in the seats that were higher up and further back. This is the opposite of what is done today, as the seats further back are cheaper than those that are right up next to the stage. Altogether the theatre sits 1,500 which is quite large, though the original could seat 3,000.

Locating the Theatre.

Visitors will find that the theatre is very easy to reach when traveling via the London Underground system, simply exit at the St. Paul’s Cathedral station, which is opposite the Globe Theatre.