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A replica of the original theatre of Shakespeare
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Highlights
Globe Exhibition
Globe Tours
Performance Plays

Shakespeare's Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe is a replica of the original theatre of Shakespeare, dating back to 1600. The present Globe was founded by the pioneering American actor and director Sam Wanamaker. Sadly he was never to see the finished globe as he died during its construction.

Sam Wanamaker
Source WikiMedia (PD)
As in the original Globe, the wooden, circular structure is open in the middle, leaving the majority of the audience exposed to the elements. Three tiers of steeply raked wooden bench seating allow audiences to experience performances as you would have done in Shakespeare’s day.

Part of the stage and roof
Photo JustABoy

Did You Know?

On June 29, 1613, the original Globe Theatre went up in flames during a performance of Henry the Eighth. A theatrical cannon, set off during the performance, misfired, igniting the wooden beams and thatching. According to one of the few surviving documents of the event, no one was hurt except a man who put out his burning breeches with a bottle of ale.

Ready for a performance at the Globe
Photo hotzeplotz
Plays are put on during the summer months, with the theatre used for educational purposes during winter. Visitors are welcome all year round and the Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition explores the life of Shakespeare, the London where he lived, and the theatre for which he wrote. You can find out about extravagant Elizabethan costumes, Renaissance instruments and how they were used, the dramatic stories of the first Globe crossing the Thames, and the new Globe being reconstructed on Bankside.

William Shakespeare
Source WikiMedia (PD)
Visitor Information
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Tours begin every 15-30 minutes. Entry costs around £11 for adults, £9 concessions and £7 children. The Globe also holds a regular summer programme of plays. Nearest Tube Station Mansion House or Southwark. Tel: 0207 902 1400

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