Shakespeare's Globe an Elizabethan Theater
Facing the Thames in the district of Southwark, Shakespeare's Globe is the home of the legendary William Shakespeare. Originally built in the 1997th century and destroyed twice, it was rebuilt identically in XNUMX using the construction methods of the time.
A visit to the theater is a journey through time during which a guide will give you many anecdotes on the history of the theater and the living conditions of the time.
What is the story of Shakespeare's Globe?
The Globe is an Elizabethan open-air theater built in 1599 on Bankside to accommodate William Shakespeare's troupe who represent most of the playwright's great works. Building on this success, the Globe was London's busiest theater for 14 years.
In 1613, during the performance of the play Henry VIII, the theater caught fire and reduced to ashes. In question, a cannon fire that was part of the staging accidentally sets fire to the thatched roof.
The following year, a second theater was then rebuilt in the same place with a tiled roof. Shakespeare's troupe can then resume its performances until 1642, when all the theaters in the city are closed by the English Puritan administration. Becoming useless, the Globe was deliberately destroyed in 1644 to make room for housing.
In 1949, American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, visiting London, was surprised that a simple commemorative plaque placed on the wall of a brewery served as a memento of the original location of Shakespeare's theater. It takes no more to launch a project to rebuild Shakespeare's Globe and raise the necessary funds for the realization of this ambitious project.
It was in 1997, three years after his death, that Shakespeare's Globe opened about 230 meters from the historic site. The reconstruction is faithful to the original with mud walls, galleries and even unusual detail, a thatched roof!
What do we see during a visit to Shakespeare's Globe?
The Shakespeare's Globe tour begins with a modern, interactive exhibit that explains theater design and costume making techniques. Do not hesitate to take the audio guide (included in the price of the tour) for more information on the life of Shakespeare and the history of London.
The best time is without a doubt the guided tour of the theater. Included in the price of the visit, you will learn many anecdotes told with a lot of humor and details by a very friendly and passionate guide. During the visit, you will move around the theater, allowing you to access the stands and approach certain engravings, the guide of which will reveal their meanings to you. It is also an opportunity to have a general view of the stage and to take pictures.
Precision which is important, the guided tours are exclusively in English which implies the mastery of the language of Shakespeare !!!! If your English is not "fluent", do not hesitate to take the leaflet at the start of the visit which will give you some historical details about the theater in French.
Guided tour every 30 min.
A visit to do with children?
A visit to Shakespeare's Globe is educational for children who can sharpen their knowledge of British history and literature.
How long does it take to visit Shakespeare's Globe?
Between the exhibition and the guided tour, allow between 1h15 and 1h30 of visit.
Attend a performance of a Shakespeare play
During the theatrical season between May and October, it is possible to attend one of the theatrical performances. From £ 5 for a standing placement.
Where can I book a visit to Shakespeare's Globe?
You can book your visit either on the Great Britain Tourist Board website either on the GetYourGuide website.
The theater is free for children less than 5 years old.
The visit is also included with the London Pass.
What are the opening hours?
Open daily from 09h30 to 17h00.
Closed on December 24 and 25.
What to visit near Shakespeare's Globe?
Many nearby Shakespeare's Globe tours are not to be missed. From a cultural point of view, you will have the choice between visiting the famous modern museum on Tate Modern, the visit of the tallest tower in Western Europe on shard, or the famous cruiser HMS Belfast. All are on the same bank of the Thames and in the immediate vicinity of the theater.
On the other side of the bank, you can also discover one of the most visited monuments in London namely the Tower of London or the Tower Bridge.
For a gourmet break do not miss Borough Market and its famous food market and street food stands!
Finally, to get around, take advantage of the river shuttles located just in front of the theater, which are practical and ideal for visiting London along the Thames.
Where is Shakespeare's Globe Theater located?
Address : 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
Metro
bus
River shuttles
