About Shakespeares Globe

The Globe was originally built in 1599 by Shakespeare's theatre company, The Lord Chamberlain's Men. It burnt down in 1613 and a second globe was built in 1614. The present day reconstruction of the globe gives people an opportunity to experience the full effect of Shakespeare's plays in performance as they were originally meant to be performed. In many ways The Globe is a tribute to one of England's greatest writers of all time.

The Globe forms the central part of an exhibition on Shakespeare and his works. It is also a functioning theatre in the sense that performances are regularly held there. It forms an important part of studies on Shakespeare for students, teachers and academics world wide. The Globe not only gives them the opportunity to view Shakespeare's plays as they were meant to be seen, it also helps them understand the social system within which these plays were performed . It gives them the opportunity to appreciate the unique features of the Shakespearean stage which offered spectators at different levels a unique perspective of the performance on stage.

The Globe can hold a total of 3,000 viewers. The pit at the base of the stage was the cheapest viewing area. Spectators could view a performance for a penny standing in a crowd. In Shakespeare's days the poorest occupied this area to watch a performance. The platform protruding into the yard is known as the apron stage. A trap door on this stage allowed performers to enter from the area below. The roof towards the back of this stage was called the heavens and was painted to represent the sky. A trapdoor in the ceiling allowed performers to descend onto the stage using ropes and other devices. The back of the stage had two or three doors through which actors made their entrances and exits. The balcony above was used by the musicians or when the performance required an upper floor such as in “Romeo and Juliet”.

The Globe is an exciting destination for theatre lovers, historical enthusiasts and the merely curious alike.

Location

Nearest Tube :

Mansion House, Blackfriars & Cannon Street (District and Circle lines);
London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines);
Southwark (Jubilee Line);
St Paul’s & Bank (Central line)