I’ve always loved Shakespeare’s plays, so when I was in London recently, visiting the Globe Theatre was at the top of my agenda.
Opened in 1997, Shakespeare’s Globe is a replica of the original Elizabethan playhouse that was destroyed in a fire, before being rebuilt, then demolished in the 1600s.
The Globe was the passion project of director Sam Wanamaker and was constructed close to the site of the original theatre, on the banks of the River Thames.
An open air theatre, plays are performed during the summer. As well as a gallery made up of rows of wooden benches, theatregoers can buy standing tickets for the yard, where they can watch the play from the foot of the stage. Apparently it’s common for people to faint on hot days!
The theatre is also the only building in London to have a thatched roof, the first one allowed since the Great Fire in 1666. One of the few nods to modern architecture comes with the sprinkler system that is built into the roof in case of emergency.
There is also an interesting exhibit, which visitors can wander round, before taking the guided tour of the theatre and learning all about its history. It’s a fascinating tour and it’s lovely to have the chance to explore the building – although visitors aren’t permitted on the stage. Tickets for the tour are reasonably priced, for London, at £13.50 for adults and you can do what I did and exchange some of your Tesco Clubcard points for days out vouchers.
Kristin | My Life as a Teacup says
Jealous! I’d love to go visit someday!
Amy Lord says
You’d love it, Kristin!